Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Saturday, reaffirmed his continued support to traditional institution, as the custodian of the culture and traditions of Kogi people.

Bello gave the assurance during the coronation of Mr Johnson Kolade-Otitoju as the Akinrin of Ekinrin-Ade on Saturday, at Ekinrin-Ade of Ijumu Local Government Area.

He assured the traditional rulers and the people of continued support and thanked the royal fathers for supporting the government to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

The governor particularly commended the people of Ekirin-Ade for being peaceful and law abiding.

He congratulated Kolade-Otitoju, whom he recalled was a pioneer teacher at Abdul-Azeez Atta Memorial College, Okene.

He described the new Oba as a “disciplinarian”, adding that Ekirin-Ade community would benefit from government numerous plans for the traditional institution in the state.

He disclosed that his administration has concluded plans to build palaces for traditional rulers across the state to give them a befitting look among other plans.

Gov. Bello directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Deedat Ozigi, to immediately commence the process of upgrading the stool of the Oba of Ekirin-Ade to a first-class status.

He explained that the gesture was for fairness, justice, and equity, stressing that the community deserved such a recognition and status.

In his vote of thanks, one of the sons of Oba Kolade-Otitoju, Mr Babajide Otitoju, thanked the governor for upgrading the Ekirin-Ade stool to first-class status.

Otitoju , a veteran journalist, noted that the governor made the occasion a memorable one, adding that history shall remember his good deeds.

Gov. Bello was accompanied to the event by the Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Usman Ododo,  Ozigi, and other top government officials.