Upgrade Of Eleta Oluyara Stool Long Overdue — Kogi SGS

The Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, has described the continued retention of the Eleta Oluyara stool at second-class status as both “long overdue for upgrade” and “deeply shocking.”

Mrs. Ayoade made the remark during the 2025 edition of the Iyara Cultural Day, in response to the appeal by the National President of the Iyara Development Association (IDA), Dr. Aliyu Badaki, for the elevation of the stool to first-class status.

Expressing surprise at the neglect of the traditional institution, the SGS pledged to work with prominent sons and daughters of the community—among them Senator Smart Adeyemi and Mrs. Folashade Joseph, the immediate past Managing Director of the Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC)—to ensure the long-awaited upgrade receives the Governor’s approval.

“The call for the upgrade of our Royal Father’s stool is long overdue. It is indeed surprising that with personalities like my sister, the former MD of NAIC, and Senator Smart Adeyemi, Kabiyesi is still a second-class monarch,” Mrs. Ayoade said. “While the power to approve rests with the Governor, I assure you I will personally make a strong case for the elevation of this stool. With collective effort, we will see it done.”

The SGS congratulated the people of Iyara on the success of the celebration and urged the preservation of Okun land’s unique cultural heritage. She noted that disunity remains the greatest challenge facing the Okun people, calling for stronger collaboration among traditional rulers and community leaders.

“Our major problem in Okunland is division. We must put aside our differences and unite for development,” she said, proposing that the Okun Area Traditional Council consider hosting a collective Okun Day to promote solidarity and shared identity.

In his earlier remarks, Dr. Aliyu Badaki highlighted that Iyara remains the only local government headquarters in Kogi State without a first-class traditional ruler—a situation he described as an anomaly needing urgent correction.

He commended the turnout at the cultural celebration, emphasizing that the annual event serves as a unifying platform for sons, daughters, and friends of the community to honour their heritage.

“One unique feature of Iyara Cultural Day is that it is purely cultural—it reminds us of our language, cuisine, attire, and traditions,” Dr. Badaki stated. “It is also a time to pay tribute to our forebears whose resilience shaped our identity.”

He urged the younger generation to embrace cultural education, unity, and community service, stressing that these values are vital to preserving Iyara’s legacy.

Dr. Badaki also appealed to residents to support Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration in its ongoing efforts to combat insecurity in the state.

“Insecurity has diverted resources meant for development into security spending. We trust in God and in the commitment of His Excellency, Governor Ododo, to restore peace. Let us all support him in this effort,” he said.

In his goodwill message, the Olujumu of Ijumu, Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni, commended the IDA under Dr. Badaki’s leadership for sustaining the annual cultural festival, describing it as a proud symbol of unity and progress.

Also speaking, the Eleta Oluyara of Iyara, Oba Jacob Meduteni, lauded the community’s spirit of togetherness and urged indigenes to contribute meaningfully to ongoing development projects across the town.