By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Upogoro, Okene
August 19, 2025
In a solemn and emotional ceremony, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo laid his father, Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani, to rest at Upogoro, his hometown in Okene Local Government Area of the state. The burial, conducted according to Islamic rites, was a poignant moment for the family, friends, and well-wishers who gathered to pay their last respects.
The Chief Imam of Okene Central Mosque, Alhaji Salihu Abere, led the funeral prayers, seeking Almighty Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and Aljanah Firdaus for the deceased. The prayers were attended by prominent Islamic clerics, traditional leaders, government officials, and politicians, including former Governor Yahaya Bello.
The Ohinoyi of Egbiraland, His Royal Majesty Dr. Mohammed Tijani Anaje, and some members of the state’s traditional council were also in attendance, demonstrating the respect they have for late Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani. Notably, the Governor of Niger State, His Excellency Alhaji Mohammed Umar Bago, made a special visit to Okene to offer condolences to Governor Ododo and his family, becoming the first Governor to do so in the bereaved Governor’s hometown.
The Executive Governor of Niger State, His Excellency Alhaji Mohammed Umar Bago, also paid a condolence visit to Governor Ododo in his hometown in Okene and was well received by the State Governor Ododo and other Government Dignitaries.
In his words , “We have come here to condole with the Family of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, as you can see we are from Niger State, we are with him at this time of the grief and we pray that Allah forgives the soul of his father and also grants him Aljanat Firdaus. I pray that Allah protects the family and increases them in strength.” He said.
The burial ceremony was marked by tight security, with sympathizers gathering from within and outside the state to pay their last respects. The Chief Imam’s prayers and the emotional farewell ceremony highlights the significance of the occasion, as the family and friends bid a final farewell to a beloved patriarch.
