• Monarch scores gov high on security, welfare

Kogi State government has issued a restraining order on Emmanuel Shelika to stop parading himself as ‘Etsu Lokoja’ or engaging in any related activities, as the order will be strictly enforced.

This was as a first-class Igala traditional ruler, the Achadu Oko-Ata, HRH Ali Ameadaji, scored the Governor, Ahmed Ododo, high in the areas of security and welfare of citizens of the state.

In a letter entitled, ‘Re: Illegal Creation of Chieftaincy Stool and Installation of Chief’, addressed to Shelika from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs dated April 8, 2025, and signed by the Principal Administrative Officer, Odah Anthony, on behalf of the Commissioner reads: “I have been directed to refer to the letter from Lokoja Local Government Traditional Council dated January 13, 2025, and some of your invitation letters to individual, and to inform you that it has come to the attention of the ministry that you have been unlawfully parading yourself as Etsu Nupe, Lokoja and purportedly engaging in acts suggesting the creation of existing chieftaincy stool within Kogi, and Lokoja in particular.

“This is to formally advise you to desist forthwith from such acts, which are not only misleading and unlawful but also pose a threat to peace and public order in Lokoja. Be informed that under the Chiefs law of Kogi State, 2006, no individual has the authority to assume or appoint or create new stool aside from the state government through its appropriate institutions.”

The letter directed Shelika to immediately stop parading himself under the said title or engaging in any related activities. THE monarch praised the governor while commissioning a new office complex in his palace, Igalogba, Idah, yesterday.

The Achadu said: “The new office complex is to give my palace a modern look befitting of its status. But I must use the opportunity to give honour to whom it is due.

“In my relationship with Ododo so far, I have discovered his genuine passion for the development of the state and his compassion for the welfare of citizens of the state.”

The monarch, who is politically known as ‘Prime Minister’ of Igala kingdom, added: “In terms of security, the governor has done well to checkmate the activities of bandits and kidnappers in the state. The governor thinks more of the people than himself and does not take issues of security of lives for granted.

“I have collaborated with the governor to keep criminals out of the forests in Igalaland using the Hunters Squad. You know Igala people are predominantly farmers, but threats from kidnappers are already scaring our farmers from going to the forest to farm.” He called on the people of the state to encourage the governor to do more by supporting his administration.