Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has approved the elevation of the traditional stool of HRH Oba Frederick Durojaiye Balogun, the Olu of Apata, in Lokoja Local Government Area, to First-Class status .
The announcement was made during the 7th OJN Symposium in Lokoja, where the Olu Apata served as Royal Father of the Day . Until the elevation, the stool was classified as Second-Class .
Governor Ododo commended the monarch for maintaining peace in his domain and urged him to sustain the tempo . The governor also promised to complete a Primary Health Care Centre in the Apata community and noted that the administration has enhanced security by engaging young men as vigilantes, donating a patrol van, and providing motorcycles to protect lives and properties .
In an interview, Oba Balogun expressed appreciation to the governor for the honour and pledged continued loyalty to the state government . He described the elevation as a spur to do more for his people .
The monarch, who was enthroned on October 7, 2014, has previously called for peaceful coexistence among his subjects . The elevation is seen as a formal recognition of the important role of traditional rulers in fostering peace and development across Kogi State .