Chief Omaye Salifu Igonoh, the Ojogba of Odo-Eto community in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State, has categorically denied allegations of kidnapping Ismaila Edibo and Mohammed Shaibu in January 2021.
According to his supporters and legal representatives, the accusations were false and ill motivated, aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
The facts surrounding the matter reveal that the two individuals were arrested and detained by security forces over security-related allegations.
Following police investigations, they were released on bail. Notably, a letter was written to the police through the lawyer of the Traditional ruler of the community, prior to their release.
It is worth noting that the individuals in question had been fingered in various activities, including the sale of community property (a transformer) and involvement in social vices, which caused unrest in the community.
These actions were contrary to the community’s interests.
Chief Igonoh’s supporters assert that the narrative alleging his involvement in the kidnapping was misleading and lacked factual basis.
They maintained that the accusations were an attempt to undermine his reputation and position as a community leader and advocate for peace.
It will be recalled that three years after, the Kogi State Government elevated the stool of Chief Salifu Omaye Igonoh, the Ojogba of Odo-Eto community in Ajaokuta Local government area to third class status.
The Traditional ruler who received his letter of elevation to third class status at the Kogi State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Lokoja in September 2024, expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the immediate past Governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, member representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency, Hon. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem and the member representing Ajaokuta State Constituency, Hon. Jibrin Abu (Wisdom Bank).
He also thanked the Ohi of Eganyi and Chairman of the Local Government Traditional Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Isah Musa Achuja as well as his Royal highness, the Adogu of Eganyi, Mohammed Adembe for all their roles in seeing to the realization of his upgrading to third class status.
Chief Igonoh thanked the Governor for his love for the Traditional institution in the state. He said he was confident that the Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo administration would sustain the legacies of the past administration in project execution and the overall development of the state.
Chief Omaye used the occasion to thank the people of his community for their unwavering commitment and support to the growth of Odo-Eto community.
While calling on them to remain peaceful, law abiding and loyal to the present administration in the state, he assured of his commitment to the growth of the community. According to him, no society can achieve the desired development in an atmosphere devoid of peace and tranquillity.
The Traditional ruler urged his people to always put the community first in all they do. He enjoined them to develop the spirit of sacrifice and love for one another to move the community to greater heights.
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