Traditional Political Institution is no doubt one of the oldest organized institutions in Africa. The long-cherished and established pattern of behaviour of the people found expression politically in it. This political system has transited many generations and it is held in high reverence by the people. By every standard, traditional political institution is a strong measure of societal conservatism.
Wise leaders, the world over and from time immemorial are always careful not to offend the sensibilities of their people in an attempt to radicalize the system.
Even more so is the fact that the custodians of these traditions and culture are more often than not the leaders of reckon in the society. They are therefore essential bridges between the people and government.
The history of the recognition of traditional rulers in contemporary governance therefore stemmed from the need to respect the old way of doing things in order to avoid, as it were, a disconnect with the people.
This underscored the reason for the adoption of the Indirect Rule system during the colonial administration in Nigeria.
Therefore, the Traditional Political Institutions headed by the chiefs are very important aspects of modern political set up. This is because they are the protectors and upholders of the moral values and traditions which the people, who are in majority, see as very valuable but endangered.
Therefore, Capt Idris Wada upon resumption of duty as the Governor of Kogi State quickly made the strengthening of this all important institution a priority project to enhance the performance of their roles as the link between the Government and the grassroot. This the Governor made clear recently during the presentation of staff of office to 31 graded chiefs. During the ceremony, he restated his commitment to the Traditional Institutions in their complementary roles to Government towards the realization of his administration’s Transformation Agenda.
Pursuant to this commitment, Governor Wada introduced Welfare, Health and Knowledge acquisition packages in the form of seminars and workshops to the traditional rulers in the State. These were not there before. The Governor put enhanced entitlements and both transport and sitting allowances in place which are promptly paid with their salaries. By health package, the State Government now provides funds to cater for the treatment of ailing chiefs both within and outside the country. 5% of the Local Government Joint Account is also dedicated for their up keep.
The Palaces of some of the Traditional Rulers like those of the Attah Igala in Idah, the Ohimege-Igu in Koton-Karfe,the Ejeh of Ankpa in Ankpa and the Chief’s Guest Lodge in Lokoja were renovated and provided with official and utility vehicles.
Another new support to the Traditional Institutions in Kogi State is the provision of burial expenses to traditional rulers. For instance, the burial expenses of the late Attah of Igala land, the late Ohimege-Igu of Koton Karfe, the late Olumagongo of Magongo and the Late Aguma of Bassa were borne by the Government of Capt. Idris Wada.
Governor Wada has also addressed several areas of complaints of marginalization that were there before his assumption of office. Consequently, he has approved the appointment of eleven (11) graded chiefs to occupy various vacant traditional stools in the state and also reinstated two previously deposed chiefs. These, with many other chiefs were also presented Staff of Office. On the whole, thirty-one (31) traditional rulers were presented Staff of Office by Wada administration.
History was also made when the Governor appointed two prominent Traditional First Class Chiefs to vacant traditional stools occasioned by the death of former occupants. They were the stools of His Royal Majesties, the Attah Igala of Igala land and the Ohimege-Igu of Koton Karfe. The two stools are very important stools in Kogi State. They were keenly contested but the Governor was able to fill the vacant stools in record time without any threat to security.
Many Traditional Stools that were abandoned by successive governments since the creation of Kogi State have been accorded their deserved attention. The stool of the Orego Attah Igala of Ogbonicha, occupied by Alhaji Tijani Audu, elder Brother of the former Governor Abubakar Audu who is presently even an opposition to the ruling party in the State, was restored to him. His Royal Highness, Shehu Salifu, the Ogohi of Olla, a third class Chief, who was also wrongly deposed was re-instated by Governor Wada.
Governor Wada also created additional stool for the people of Jakura in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State and accorded it a Second Class status. He
also appointed the Atamodu of Odu for the Odu Community in Dekina Local Government Area.
Similarly, Governor Wada appointed Onu Igbologwu of Emewe for the people of Emewe in Ofu Local Government Area who were denied the opportunity for a very long time.
Governor Wada has by these, addressed all the grey areas in the appointment, spread, and grading of Traditional Stools in Kogi State.
Today, with twenty six First Class Chiefs, forty-seven Second Class and one hundred and seventy Third Class Chiefs, Kogi State has one of the best Traditional Institution in terms of geographical spread and hierarchy. These are the conscious and deliberate efforts of the Government of Capt. Wada in ensuring that no Community is kept away from the centre of attention.
The Traditional Institution in Kogi State under Capt. Idris Wada is to say the least taking its pride of place. As the saying goes, ‘to whom much is given, much is equally expected’. Therefore it is not surprising that the peace and harmony prevailing in most Communities is a justification of the olive branch held by the present administration, as symbolized by the Governor’s reforms in the Traditional Institutions in the State. This is Governor Wada for you, a silent reformer and an achiever par excellence.
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