By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Thursday issued a stern warning to traditional rulers across the state, declaring that any monarch found allocating land illegally without due government approval will face dethronement and banishment beginning from January 2026.
The governor gave the directive during an inspection tour of completed and ongoing road and construction projects in Mopa-Mopamoru Local Government Area, as part of his administration’s renewed push for grassroots development and improved security.
Governor Ododo stressed that indiscriminate land allocation poses a grave threat to the state’s future resources and security architecture, warning that his administration would no longer tolerate such practices. He directed traditional rulers to strictly adhere to established guidelines and ensure that all land allocations receive appropriate government and council consent.
Addressing residents at the palace of the Elulu of Mopa, the governor underscored the need for collective responsibility in the fight against insecurity, noting that government efforts would only yield lasting results when citizens actively support security agencies and remain vigilant in their communities.
According to him, insecurity would be decisively crushed when residents refuse to shield criminals or sympathise with criminal elements. He commended the people of Mopamoru for their resilience and courage in resisting criminal activities, describing them as partners in progress.
Governor Ododo further declared that his administration would not negotiate with terrorists, bandits or criminal collaborators, warning that anyone found aiding or shielding criminals would face severe sanctions, including the demolition of their houses. He charged traditional rulers to take the message seriously and ensure it is clearly communicated to their subjects.
While assuring Mopamoru of sustained development, the governor disclosed that all internal roads across Kogi State are captured in the administration’s work plan and would be executed progressively. He added that projects are deliberately executed with locally sourced labour to engage youths, reduce unemployment and harness indigenous skills.
During the inspection of the triple-cell box culvert under construction on the Olu Ezekiel–GRA link road in Mopa, Governor Ododo praised the Kogi State Road Maintenance Agency (KOGROMA) for its diligence, noting that the project has provided a lasting solution to long-standing flooding and access challenges in the area.
The governor 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 driving 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.
As part of the tour, Governor Ododo flagged off the construction of the 10.5-kilometre Asaya–Ogidi–Ayere road, noting that improved road infrastructure would enhance commerce, ease movement and strengthen social and economic interactions among communities. He also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the support and resources enabling infrastructural development across the country.
Earlier, the Elulu of Mopa, Oba Dr. Muyiwa Ibeun, speaking on behalf of the Mopamoru Traditional Council, said the local government area is witnessing tangible dividends of democracy, with most township roads already tarred. He described Mopamoru as rich in human capital and hailed Governor Ododo as a reference point for good governance, urging him to sustain the development momentum.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, thanked the governor for his unwavering support and highlighted the significant improvement in security across the local government area.
The Provost of the Kogi State College of Education (Technical), Mopa, Prof. Muhammed Kabir Ibrahim, revealed that following a matching order by the governor, the institution fully relocated from Kabba to Mopa within eight months. He disclosed that the college has since matriculated 500 NCE students, while construction of staff quarters, student hostels and office buildings is ongoing.
The provost also acknowledged the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Folashade Ayoade Arike, for fully sponsoring 20 students of the institution.
Similarly, the Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Hon. 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 in peace. He added that the execution of rural projects has brought governance closer to the people and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to inclusive rural development.