Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday emphasised that peace and security fostered rapid socio-economic development in a society.

He spoke in Koton Karfe during the official presentation of the Staff of Office to the new traditional ruler of Koton-Karfe (known as the Ohimege-Igu),  Seidu Akawe-Salihu, where he underscored the significance of peaceful coexistence.

The governor urged the people of the kingdom to prioritise harmony and actively contribute to ensuring the safety of lives and property within the Igu Kingdom.

Mr Akawe-Salihu succeeds Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isah-Koto, who was deposed on January 8 and banished to Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State by the governor.

Mr Bello commended the citizens of Koton-Karfe for standing by the truth and allowing due process in the selection of the Ohimege of Koton-Karfe.

The new traditional ruler commended the governor for the boldness in righting a monumental wrong of the past.

Mr Akawu-Salihu said that the bravery act of the governor saved the well-cherished, age-long traditional institution from public ridicule and prevented the rubbishing of the decision of the kingmakers.

He appreciated the elders, kingmakers and the people for their support and trust in him, through which he found the strength and determination to take the noble role to lead.

The traditional ruler, who said Mr Bello’s legacy would serve as his guiding light, vowed to carry forward the traditions and values that shaped the Igu Kingdom for generations.

He called on the people to promote peaceful coexistence by eschewing crime, criminality and other vices alien to the culture and inimical to the development of the kingdom, the state and the country as a whole.

“With this task bestowed on me, I wish to assure you of my commitment to promote the safety and welfare of my people. I shall promote justice and fairness in all ramifications as these are ingredients for peace and progress in our communities.

“I promise to serve with humility, integrity, dedication and to uphold the traditions and values of our kingdom. I am confident that we will create a future filled with pride, harmony and boundless opportunities,” Mr Akawu-Salihu said.

Mr Akawu-Salihu was born on March 11, 1964 to the family of the late Chief Salihu Umar-Danmadaki and Hajia Aishetu Salihu of Odaki- Koton-Karfe in the Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The new paramount ruler started his primary school education in Kogi L.S.B Koton-Karfe between 1970 and 1976. In 2012, Mr Akawu-Salihu contested the position of Ohimege and the kingmakers endorsed him but the dethroned Ohimege got the support of the previous administration and was installed on October 12, 2012. 

(NAN)