Okun Monarchs Reject Governor Ododo’s Second-Term Ambition

Traditional rulers from Kogi West Senatorial District have openly rejected Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s bid for a second term, warning that his re-election ambition could trigger social and economic unrest in the state.

The monarchs, under the banner of the Okun Leaders League (OLL), declared that they would not support the governor’s re-election effort in 2027.

In a joint statement signed by Canon Andrew Baiyekuhi (Kabba-Bunu), Mallam Qassim Yusuf (Ijumu), Dr. James Ogbondeminu (Mopamuro), Engineer Omobowale Palufe (Yagba East), and Chief Samuel Obaro (Yagba West), the traditional rulers cautioned Governor Ododo against “denigrating the royal institution of Okunland” in his alleged desperate push for endorsements.

According to the leaders, they had reliable information that the governor convened a meeting with chairmen of the traditional councils of the five Okun local governments, led by the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, on Thursday, November 5, 2025, purportedly for a “security meeting.”

Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ododo have received commendations for appointing two Kogi indigenes to key national positions.

The state’s Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, in a statement from Lokoja, praised the appointments of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

Idris said the announcements were greeted with widespread joy and appreciation across Kogi State.