By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News
LOKOJA — Nigeria News Today: Traditional rulers from Kogi West Senatorial District have voiced concerns over Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s alleged second-term ambition, warning that it could fuel social and economic tension within the region.
Okun Leaders League Rejects Ododo’s Re-election Bid
The monarchs, under the umbrella of the Okun Leaders League (OLL), declared their opposition to the governor’s re-election bid in 2027. In a joint statement signed by Canon Andrew Baiyekuhi (Kabba-Bunu), Mallam Qassim Yusuf (Ijumu), Dr. James Ogbondeminu (Mopamuro), Engr. Omobowale Palufe (Yagba East), and Chief Samuel Obaro (Yagba West), the traditional leaders cautioned Governor Ododo against “denigrating the royal institution of Okunland in his desperate quest for endorsement.”
The OLL representatives from the five core Okun local government areas alleged that the governor had invited traditional council chairmen, led by the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, to a security meeting held on November 5, 2025, in an attempt to secure their political support.
Widespread Praise for Tinubu and Ododo
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo have received widespread commendation for appointing two distinguished Kogi State indigenes to key national offices.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, expressed his joy in a statement issued in Lokoja, describing the appointments as a source of pride for the state. He lauded the selection of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as INEC Chairman and Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
Idris noted that the move has been met with great joy and appreciation across Kogi, adding that the appointments reflect Tinubu’s inclusive governance and recognition of merit and competence among Kogi citizens.
“These appointments have brought honor and visibility to Kogi State and reaffirmed the trust of President Tinubu and Governor Ododo in our human resource capacity,” he said.
The Bureau News reports that political discussions in Kogi continue to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with analysts emphasizing the need for unity and focus on development rather than division.
