SECURITY: GOVERNOR ODODO VOWS TO DETHRONE, BANISH TRADITIONAL RULERS OVER ILLEGAL LAND ALLOCATION
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots development and security during an inspection of completed and ongoing road and construction projects in Mopa-Mopamoru Local Government Area of the state.
During the inspection tour, the governor stressed that the fight against insecurity must be a collective effort, urging residents to take responsibility for the safety of their communities.
According to him, insecurity can only be decisively defeated when citizens actively support government initiatives.
Speaking at the palace of the Elulu of Mopa, Governor Ododo commended the people of Mopamoru for their resilience and firm resistance against criminal activities.
The governor warned that his administration would not negotiate with terrorists, bandits, or other criminal elements, adding that anyone found collaborating with criminals would face severe consequences, including the demolition of their houses.
He urged traditional rulers to take the message seriously and ensure it is clearly communicated to their subjects.
In a strong directive, Governor Ododo cautioned traditional rulers across the state against the indiscriminate sale of land, describing the practice as a serious threat to the state’s future resources.
He announced that effective January 2026, any traditional ruler who allocates land without government approval and the consent of relevant councils would be dethroned and banished.
While assuring Mopamoru of more development projects, the governor disclosed that all internal roads across Kogi State are captured in the administration’s work plan and will be executed progressively.
He also emphasized that state projects are executed using locally sourced labour to engage youths, reduce unemployment, and harness local skills.
During the inspection of the triple-cell box culvert under construction on the Olu Ezekiel–GRA link road in Mopa, the governor commended the Kogi State Road Maintenance Agency (KOGROMA) for its commitment to project delivery.
He noted that the project, widely appreciated by residents, will provide a lasting solution to long-standing flooding and access challenges in the area.
Governor Ododo also inspected ongoing projects at the permanent site of the Kogi State College of Education (Technical), Mopa, expressing satisfaction with the pace and quality of work.
He commended the Provost for effectively implementing the mandate to revive the institution, adding that the administration is piloting a system that will allow residents to live and settle peacefully in any part of the state.
The governor further flagged off the construction of the 10.5-kilometre Asaya–Ogidi–Ayere road, noting that improved road infrastructure will boost the state’s economy, ease movement, and strengthen social interactions among communities.
Governor Ododo thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the necessary support and resources to drive infrastructural development across Kogi State and the country at large.
Speaking on behalf of the Mopamoru Traditional Council, the Elulu of Mopa, Oba Dr. Muyiwa Ibeun, said the local government area is enjoying the dividends of democracy, with most township roads already completed.
He described Mopamoru as one of the richest traditional councils in human resources and commended Governor Ododo as a reference point for good governance, urging him to sustain the developmental momentum.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, thanked the governor for his unwavering support and highlighted the significant improvement in security within the local government area.
The Provost of the Kogi State College of Education (Technical), Mopa, Professor Muhammed Kabir Ibrahim, disclosed that following a marching order from the governor, the institution fully relocated from Kabba to Mopa within eight months.
He revealed that the college has matriculated 500 NCE students, while construction of staff quarters, student hostels, and office buildings is ongoing.
The provost also acknowledged the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Dr. Folashade Ayoade, for fully sponsoring 20 students of the institution.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Haruna Ibrahim, described the ongoing road projects as transformative, noting that they have improved access to farms and markets, enhanced security, and enabled residents to carry out their daily activities peacefully.
He added that the execution of rural projects has brought governance closer to the people and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to rural development.
