The Movement for the Emancipation of Kogi State (MEKSTA) has called on traditional rulers across Okunland to uphold the dignity and neutrality of their royal institutions by refusing to be drawn into political schemes capable of dividing the people or undermining the peace of the region.
The group, in a statement, urged the monarchs to emulate the statesmanship and impartiality displayed by the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje, who recently reminded a political aspirant seeking his endorsement that the sacred responsibility of a traditional ruler is to serve as a father to all, not an advocate for a select few.
MEKSTA said its appeal follows what it described as alleged efforts by the Kogi State Government to enlist traditional rulers in a political campaign aimed at creating disaffection within Kogi West ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the group, despite the conclusion of the APC senatorial primary process, forces opposed to the political unity of Kogi West have remained active. It alleged that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo convened a meeting of traditional rulers from the six Okun-speaking local government areas in Lokoja on June 25 and 26, 2026, with the intention of influencing political narratives within the district.
MEKSTA further claimed that the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman of the Okun Traditional Council, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, was asked to mobilise fellow monarchs for the meeting, where they would allegedly be presented with what the group described as misleading information targeting the Senator representing Kogi West, Senator Sunday Steve Karimi.
According to the organisation, the strategy is said to revolve around a video allegedly sponsored by the state government, featuring some chiefs from Egbe in Yagba West Local Government Area making accusations against the senator. MEKSTA dismissed the claims in the recording as baseless and politically motivated.
The group argued that the alleged campaign forms part of what it described as a sustained effort to promote Samuel Bamidele Aro as an alternative to Senator Karimi ahead of 2027. It recalled that Aro had formally withdrawn from the APC senatorial primary before the May 18, 2026 exercise and publicly declared his support for Karimi. MEKSTA, however, alleged that subsequent attempts were made to manipulate the outcome of a primary election in which Aro did not participate by falsely portraying him as the winner.
Expressing concern over the development, MEKSTA criticised the state government for allegedly prioritising political rivalry at a time when communities across Kogi West continue to grapple with insecurity, including banditry, kidnappings and violent attacks.
The organisation noted that while recent incidents have heightened fear among residents of Kabba-Bunu and Yagba West, what the people urgently require is purposeful leadership, reassurance and coordinated security efforts – not political distractions capable of weakening regional unity.
MEKSTA maintained that Senator Karimi continues to enjoy widespread acceptance across Kogi West, describing him as an accessible, compassionate and result-oriented representative whose three years in the Senate have delivered visible dividends to constituents.
The group pointed to the overwhelming endorsement the senator received during the APC senatorial primary, where it said more than 51,000 party members across the district’s 85 wards unanimously renewed his mandate to seek re-election in 2027.
Declaring that Senator Karimi remains the authentic choice of the APC in Kogi West, MEKSTA insisted that no external political pressure would alter the decision of party members.
“Any attempt to undermine Senator Sunday Karimi, a leader firmly rooted in the confidence and affection of the people, amounts to an attack on the unity and electoral strength of the APC in Kogi West,” the statement said.
The organisation warned that any move capable of fracturing the party in the district could have far-reaching political consequences and potentially deprive the Okun-Yoruba bloc of the opportunity to consolidate what it described as the positive relationship between the region and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Those who the statement are:
Hon. Obafemi Medaiyese – Yagba Federal Constituency
Comrade Joseph Mebatonije – Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency
Alhaji Yusuf Kpareke – Lokoja/Kotonkarfe Federal Constituency
Mallam Jimoh Ozovehe – Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency
Dr. Nurudeen Adaviriku – Okene/Ogori-Magongo Federal Constituency
Alhaji Isiaka Momoh – Ajaokuta Federal Constituency
Chief Ojonimi Adegbe – Idah/Igalamela-Odolu/Ofu/Ibaji Federal Constituency
Pastor Mark Onucheyo – Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency
Bishop Husseini Saidu – Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro Federal Constituency