Ohimegye Akawu Salihu: A Scholar-Monarch Bringing Peace and Unity to Igu Kingdom
…..A Closer Look at King SAS’s Intimidating Profile
By Abu Micheal
His Royal Majesty, Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu, the current Paramount Ruler of Igu Koton-karfe Kingdom, Kogi local government area of Kogi State. He was enthroned in 2023 during the administration of Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello.
His selection followed the recommendation of the traditional kingmakers of Igu Kingdom and was later affirmed by a Lokoja High Court ruling that recognized the legitimacy of the selection process.
Governor Yahaya Bello also presented the Staff of Office to Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu, officially marking him as the 27th Ohimegye Igu of Koton-Karfe Kingdom.
Since his enthronement, he has been focused on ensuring the unity, peace, and development of Igu Kingdom
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 Ohimegye Igu of Koton Karfe, thus far has proven to be a man with exemplary leadership qualities, as demonstrated in his Public Service Career. the Ohimegye of Koton -Karfe, HRM. 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.
A Closer look into HRM. Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu’s Profile
Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu, born on March 11, 1964, the 27th Ohimegye Igu of Koton-Karfe, Kogi State. He hails from the Odaki Ruling House and belongs to the 8th generation of the Ohimegye Ohetenye family lineage.
His education journey started at L.S.B Koton-Karfe (1970-1976), continued at Government Secondary School, Koton-Karfe (1976-1981), preliminary studies at Keffi, Nasarawa State (1982-1984), and then Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned a B.Sc in Sociology (1984-1987).
He also completed postgraduate studies in Public Administration at Ahmadu Bello University (1997/98) and earned a PhD in Public Administration at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (2018/19).
Dr. Salihu’s career included service in the National Youth Service Corps in Ibadan (1987/88), employment as Education Officer II in Kwara State Civil Service (1989-1990), and various roles in the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (1990-1998), culminating as Assistant Manager.
He was CEO of Sesza Nigeria Limited, Abuja (1998-2003).
He served as Commissioner for Budget and Planning and later Water Resources and Rural Development in Kogi State (2005-2007), was elected to the Kogi State House of Assembly (2011-2015), and served as Chairman of the Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (2018-2023).
He also chaired the Kogi State branch of the ABU Alumni Association (2004-2006). His appointment as the Ohimegye Igu, Koton-Karfe came on January 8, 2024.
Long live Ohimegye Igu! Long live Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu!
