Governor mourns Yunusa Onu Ishaq, urges traditional rulers, political leaders to preach peace across Dekina, Kogi East
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Anyigba, Kogi State
September 6, 2026
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called on the people of Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi East and the state at large to reject violence, embrace peace and strengthen unity, declaring that no political position or material gain is worth the life of any human being.
Governor Ododo made the appeal on Sunday when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Dekina Local Government Area, Alhaji Yunusa Onu Ishaq, at his residence in Anyigba.
The Governor also visited the Eje of Dekina and Chairman of the Dekina Local Government Traditional Council, Alhaji Dr. Usman Obaje, OON, as well as other traditional rulers and stakeholders in the area.
Governor Ododo described the death of Yunusa Onu Ishaq as painful and shocking, recalling the deceased as a peaceful, committed and selfless political leader who devoted himself to the service of humanity, his community and the APC.
He said the circumstances surrounding the deceased’s death were painful, but added that the ultimate judgment belonged to God Almighty.
The Governor consequently appealed to the people to end the cycle of violence and killing, warning that violence could neither bring development nor resolve the challenges confronting the people.
«“We must stop killing one another. Violence will not bring development, and it will not solve our problems. We must learn to live together and work together for the future of our children.”»
Governor Ododo particularly urged traditional rulers, community leaders and political stakeholders to take the message of peace to their subjects, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters, stressing that the continued killing of one another could leave future generations with difficult questions about the circumstances that destroyed their communities.
He recalled his personal relationship with the late APC chairman, describing him as a brother, friend and trusted supporter who believed strongly in selfless service.
According to him, Yunusa Onu Ishaq supported and promoted several people without seeking public recognition, adding that his contributions to the political development of Dekina and the growth of the APC would remain indelible.
The Governor urged members of the community and the APC to support the bereaved family and preserve the values of peace, service and humility for which the deceased was known.
He further called on the people to resist actions capable of deepening division, emphasizing that political differences should never degenerate into violence.
Governor Ododo prayed God Almighty to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, grant him eternal rest and give his family, the people of Dekina and members of the APC the fortitude to bear the loss.
Eje of Dekina Commends Ododo
Earlier, the Eje of Dekina, Alhaji Dr. Usman Obaje, OON, thanked Governor Ododo for personally visiting the bereaved family, noting that the Governor had earlier sent the Deputy Governor to commiserate with them.
The traditional ruler described the Governor’s personal visit as a powerful demonstration of love, concern and solidarity with the people of Dekina.
He commended Governor Ododo for his support for bereaved families and for appointing capable sons and daughters of the area into government.
The Eje also acknowledged the impact of programmes and initiatives of the Ododo administration on the people, urging the community to reciprocate the Governor’s gesture by promoting peace and unity.
He urged the people to honour the memory of the late Yunusa Onu Ishaq through good deeds, stressing that while death was inevitable, the manner in which people lived would determine how they would ultimately be remembered.
The traditional ruler prayed for the safe return of the Governor and asked God Almighty to continue to guide and protect him.
Dekina Council Boss: Ododo’s Visit Honour to the People
The Chairman of Dekina Local Government Area, Hon. John Urah, on behalf of the people of the council, expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for identifying personally with the family and people of Dekina in their moment of grief.
He said the Governor’s decision to personally visit the bereaved family after earlier sending the Deputy Governor had greatly honoured the people and demonstrated his commitment to their welfare.
Hon. Urah also commended the Zonal Chairman of the APC in Kogi East, Hon. Ogwu Alhassan Abdullahi; Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hajia Rabiatu Okwute; Auditor-General of Kogi State, Alhaji Yakubu Okala, FCA; Dr. Abdurahaman Hassan Ocholi, Member of the TETFund Board of Trustees, North Central, and other government officials for their support to the family.
Ododo Condoles Another Party Family
As part of the condolence visits, Governor Ododo also visited the family of another loyal APC member, late Ahmed Ibrahim Abdullahi, who died after a brief illness.
The Governor expressed sympathy with the family and prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and strength for the bereaved relatives.
Meanwhile, the children of the late APC chairman, including Onu Yunusa, thanked Governor Ododo and his entourage for the visit, describing the Governor’s presence as a source of comfort to the family at a difficult moment.
