Bello coronates Olujumu, pledges development of Okunland

The Kogi state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Tuesday, pledged to ensure the human and infrastructural development of the Yoruba speaking Okunland of the state.

Speaking at the coronation and presentation of staff of office to the Olujumu of Ijumu, Oba Williams Ayeni, at Iyara, headquarters of Ijumu local government area, the governor said his administration was committed to the development of the state.

According to him, the present administration in the state had since inception been implementing meaningful projects in the five local government areas of Okunland.

The governor, however, said he would continue to do more to make the entire state compete favourably in the comity of states in the country.

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Bello explained that the appointment of the Olujumu was in line with the extent law that establishes the chieftaincy institution, saying due process was followed throughout the process.

He, however, urged the people of the community to allow the monarch to reign in peace, saying that was the only way that development could be achieved.

Bello also tasked Ayeni to resist the temptation to compromise the stool, advising him to always rule with the fear of God.

The governor also charged the monarch to complement the efforts of the state government at securing the lives and properties of the people of his domain as that remained a priority to his government.

The traditional ruler in his acceptance speech expressed his readiness to work for the socio-economic development of Ijumuland.

Ayeni, who is the fourth Olujumu, noted that his ascension to the throne had placed a great challenge on him to continue to cooperate eminent sons and daughters of the town to promote its development.

He, however, lauded the state governor for his efforts as ensuring peace and tranquillity among the various ethnic groups in the state.

A former senator representing Kogi west senatorial district, Smart Adeyemi, at the event urged the people of the town to continue to support the state governor and ensure his reelection in 2019.