The Kogi State Government has approved the appointment of retired Major General Erema Akerejola as the Ubuoro of Ogori land and 17 other traditional rulers across the state.
Akerejola succeeds his late father, Prof. Olugbemiro Eminefo Akerejola, the former Ubuoro of Ogori land, who died last year.
The appointments, according to a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Eniola Enimola, followed due process and were made to fill vacant traditional stools following the death of their former occupants.
The government said the newly appointed traditional rulers were selected based on their possession of the requisite qualities of tact, integrity, maturity and patriotism needed to discharge the responsibilities of their respective offices.
Among those appointed as second-class chiefs are Major General Erema Akerejola (rtd) as Ubuoro of Ogori land and Mallam Haliru Aminu Akwu as Etsu Elaite.
Others are Idris Ali Yusuf, Onu Itama; Usman Akowe Omonu, Onu Ayah; Joseph Abdul Abuh, Odu Ogidiga of Emodu; Abdul Opaluwa, Omachi Iyogbo; Ali Abba, Abagbo-Inna Akpanya; and Umoru Zakari, Odoma Ata Igala.
Also appointed are Umoru Usman Atabo Ijomi, Ekpa Ata Igala, and Yusuf Momoh Adama, Anaja of Gbobe.
Those appointed as third-class chiefs include Alikali Suleiman, Taru Onyionwa of Idu Eyire Clan; Salami Abdulrasaq, Olu-Erefe Ife-Olukotun; Zakari Alhassan, Ondaki of Ohikwo; Isiaka Ukele Ogohi Acharu; and Abuh Adukwu, Owo Onu-Ife.
Others are Alhaji Gida, Ohinoyi of Kekere; Sule Yabubu, Ohinoyi of Edekakpo; and Nigeria Okpanachi, Egena Eje of Olamaboro.
The appointments take immediate effect.