By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Government House – Lokoja
June 25, 2026
Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, on Thursday received a delegation of traditional rulers from Ijumu Local Government Area led by the Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, His Royal Highness Oba (Dr.) Williams Olusegun Ayeni, during a courtesy visit to Government House, Lokoja.
The visit, which brought together prominent royal fathers from across Ijumu Kingdom, provided an opportunity for the traditional institution to commend Governor Ododo’s administration for its impactful leadership, security initiatives, infrastructural development and inclusive governance across Kogi State.
Welcoming the royal fathers, Governor Ododo expressed profound appreciation for their support, prayers and partnership with government in promoting peace and development at the grassroots. He assured them that his administration would continue to prioritize the welfare of the people and sustain investments in security, infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic empowerment.
The Governor noted that traditional rulers remain critical stakeholders in governance and security management, describing
In a significant development during the visit, Governor Ododo approved the appointment of Hon. Ibiyeye Henry Sunday the Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Alhaji Haruna Ibrahim as a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security and Surveillance in Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency.
The Governor commended the security-conscious leadership being demonstrated at the local government level, noting that proactive measures and strategic coordination among stakeholders have contributed significantly to maintaining peace across the local government area.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni, praised Governor Ododo for what he described as visionary and people-oriented leadership since assuming office.
The royal father particularly applauded the administration’s investment in security, improved intelligence gathering, infrastructural projects and youth-focused initiatives, which he said have strengthened public confidence in government.
According to the monarch, residents of Ijumu and Kogi State at large now enjoy improved security due to the Governor’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
The Olujumu further acknowledged the efforts of the Executive Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Alhaji Haruna Ibrahim, his management team and particularly the newly appointed the newly appointed Senior Special Assistant, Hon. Ibiyeye Henry Sunday, for their commitment to security and community development.
He noted that their coordinated actions on security matters have tremendously helped in preventing and containing security challenges across the entire local government area.
The traditional ruler also reiterated the unwavering support of the people of Ijumu Kingdom for Governor Ododo’s administration, describing him as a leader whose developmental strides are visible across sectors.
The royal fathers used the occasion to request additional support in strengthening grassroots security architecture, upgrading selected traditional stools and providing official vehicles for traditional rulers to enhance their effectiveness and safety while discharging their responsibilities.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Alhaji Haruna Ibrahim, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Ododo for his consistent support for the people of Ijumu and Kogi West.
The Chairman thanked the Governor for appointing sons and daughters of Ijumu into various political offices at both state and federal levels, describing the gesture as evidence of the Governor’s inclusive leadership style.
Alhaji Haruna Ibrahim also commended Governor Ododo for ongoing infrastructural projects, improved security architecture, youth empowerment programmes, agricultural interventions and other developmental initiatives that continue to impact positively on communities across Ijumu Local Government Area.
He particularly praised the Governor’s unwavering commitment to combating criminality through strategic investments in security logistics, intelligence gathering and support for security agencies, stressing that the efforts have significantly enhanced peace and stability in the area.
The Chairman assured the Governor of the continuous support and loyalty of the people of Ijumu, pledging that the local government would remain committed to partnering with the state government in advancing development and protecting lives and property.
The visit concluded with prayers for the continued success of Governor Ododo’s administration and renewed assurances of support from the traditional institution and the people of Ijumu Kingdom.
