King Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu: Scholar‑Monarch Who Brings Peace & Unity to Igu Kingdom
By Abu Micheal.
In the historic seat of Igu Kingdom, Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu now reigns as the Ohimegye Igu, Paramount Ruler of Igu Kingdom.
He was enthroned in 2023, during the administration of Governor Yahaya Bello, following the recommendation of the traditional kingmakers of Igu Kingdom and later affirmed by a Lokoja High Court ruling that recognized the legitimacy of the selection process.
Though a few dissenting voices emerged, the overwhelming response from his subjects has been one of hope, gratitude, and renewed unity as his leadership has been eventful.
Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu, was born 11th March, 1964, holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration.
Dr. Akawu is Descendant of the Igu Royal House, groomed for leadership through tradition and modern governance training
He was enstooled as Ohimegye Igu a decade after his earlier recommendation, consultation and approval by the Council of Kingmakers, the constitutional custodians of Igu tradition.
Since his Ascension as the present Ohimegye, his major preoccupation has been ensuring Peace Accord and Conflict Resolution.
He has mediated and ended the long‑standing land dispute between Agbada and Ogaji clans, resulting in a signed peace pact and joint community development committee.
Under his reign, Education received a boost, with the launch of the Ohimegye Scholarship Fund (30 scholarships for secondary/tertiary students).
His love for education which he believes can help shape the people’s thinking and increase productivity led to the opening of two Adult Literacy Centers in remote villages, raising adult literacy rates by 18% within a year.
The Ohimegye’s infrastructure and Water Projects saw to the completion and rehabilitation of 5 km rural road linking three villages to the main market.
The Traditional Ruler has also commissioned two boreholes with solar pumps (capacity 20,000 L/day) in Igu Central and Outskirts.
Under his economic empowerment initiative, the Ohimegye introduced the “Igu Market Revitalization Program”: renovated stalls, provided micro‑credit to 50 women traders.
He has also facilitated partnership with a private agri‑firm for a cassava processing plant, creating 70 jobs.
A Cultural enthusiast to the core, his Cultural Preservation has seen to the revival of the annual Igu Cultural Festival, attracting over 15,000 visitors and boosting local tourism revenue by 42%.
His tenure as Ohimegye has also seen to the documentation and archival of oral histories of 12 royal ancestors in a bilingual (Igbu–English) book.
His health and sanitation initiative has witnessed several establishment and upgrade of clinic.
With a vision and philosophy for Peace and Unity as his major preoccupation, the Ohimegye believes as quoted, “Our strength lies in togetherness with no clan left behind.”
The Ohimege Igu of Koton Karfe, thus far has proven to be a man with exemplary leadership qualities, as demonstrated in his Public Service Career. the Ohimege of Koton -Karfe, HRM.
Mallam Saidu Akawu Salihu, has without mincing words rely much on his wealth of experience in administering the kingdom to bring about the much desired progress and development.
For those who have followed the activities of the Ohimegye, his sustainable development policy is hinged on balancing modern progress with cultural heritage.
His tenure as Ohimegye has left many voices of support. Mama Aisha Umar, Market Women Association says: “Since His Majesty ascended the throne, markets are safer, and prices are stable. He listens.”
For Chief Obi Ezekiel, Council of Elders:
“His vision for unity is what Igu Kingdom needed. We stand with him.”
The Youths through there Leader, Joshua Oluwa, added that “He has made impact in scholarships and job creation.”
As the Ohimegye settles to lead the people of Igu Kingdom, his call to action for the kingdom’s progress is a shared responsibility. With the subjects and residents urged to participate in community clean‑ups and tree‑planting drives.
Preserve cultural heritage (festivals, language, traditions).
Support education and economic initiatives.
THE PROFILE OF HRM THE 27th OHIMEGE IGU OF KOTON -KARFE, MALLAM SAIDU AKAWU SALIHU.
Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu was born on 11th March, 1964 to the family of Late Chief Salihu Umar Danmadaki and Late Hajia Aishetu Salihu of Odaki- Koton-Karfe in Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
His Royal Majesty started his Primary School Education in Kogi L.S.B Koton-Karfe between 1970-1976.
Government Secondary School, Koton-Karfe between 1976-1981. Upon completion of his Secondary School Education, Mallam Salihu then proceeded to school of preliminary studies, Keffi, Nasarawa State between 1982-1984.
The new Royal Majesty proceeded to the famous and prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he obtained his B.Sc degree in Sociology between 1984 and 1987.
The Ohimege went back to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria for his post graduate studies in public administration between 1997/98.
In continuous pursuit for self development & excellence, his majesty returned to school for his PhD in Public Administration at Nasarawa State University, Keffi in 2018/19.
The Ohimege of Koton-Karfe commenced his public Civil service shortly after serving the mandatory one year National Youth Service between 1987/88 at Ibadan, Oyo State. he was employed by the Kwara State Civil Service as Education Officer 11 between 1989 and 1990.
He was later employed by Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund as compliance officer 11 between 1990/98, where he rose to and serve as assistant manager, between 1996-1998. between 1998 and 2003, Mallam Salihu was engaged by Sesza Nigeria Limited, Abuja as its chief executive officer between 2003 and 2005.
Mallam Saidu Akawu Salihu was appointed as Commissioner for Budget and Planning by Kogi State government and was later redeployed as Commissioner of Water Resources and Rural Development between 2005 and 2007.
He was elected into the Kogi State House of Assembly between 2011 and 2015.
In 2018, he was appointed the Chairman, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, 2018- 2023.
The Ohimege whose appointment was made on 8th January, 2024, is the 27th Ohimege Igu of Koton-Karfe. he is from Odaki Rulling House & belongs to the 8th generation of Ohimege Ohetenye Family lineage.
He was the Kogi state branch Chairman of ABU Alumni Association from 2004 to 2006.
Long live Ohimegye Igu! Long live Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu!
