List Of Kogi State Governors And Their Deputies (1999-Present)
This is the most comprehensive list of all the Governors who have served Kogi State from 1999 till date, Including their Deputies:
Governor | Deputy Governor | Took Office | Left Office |
---|---|---|---|
Abubakar Audu | Patrick Adaba | 29 May 1999 | 29 May 2003 |
Ibrahim Idris | Philip Salawu | 29 May 2003 | 6 February 2008 |
Clarence Olafemi | Acting Governor | 6 February 2008 | 5 April 2008 |
Ibrahim Idris | Philip Salawu | 5 April 2008 | 26 January 2012 |
Idris Wada | Yomi Awoniyi | 27 January 2012 | 27 January 2016 |
Yahaya Bello | Simon Achuba Edward Onoja | 27 January 2016 | 27 January 2024 |
Usman Ododo | Salifu Joel | 27 January 2024 | Incumbent |
READ ALSO: List Of Governors Of Ebonyi State And Their Deputies (1999-Present)
Who Was The First Governor Of Kogi State?
The first governor of Kogi State was Abubakar Audu. Kogi State was created on August 27, 1991, from parts of the old Benue and Kwara states.
Abubakar Audu was an important figure in the early days of the state because he was one of those leaders who formed Kogi State.
However, Audu had a political career that started in the 1980s. He was the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning in Benue State from 1986 to 1988.
After that, he went back to the banking sector for a while before getting involved in Kogi State’s politics. When Kogi State was newly formed, Audu ran for governor as a candidate of the National Republican Convention (NRC).
He won the election decisively and took office in January 1992. During his time as governor, he made several improvements in the state. He worked on projects to boost the state’s economy and living conditions.
Notably, he helped set up Kogi State University, built a housing estate, and developed healthcare facilities, including a specialist eye hospital.
His administration also focused on improving rural electrification, building township roads, and getting transit buses for better transportation.
Sadly, Audu’s first term was cut short in November 1993 when a military coup ended democratic rule in Nigeria. Despite this, he stayed active in politics and returned as governor in 1999 after democracy was restored. He was re-elected under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and served until 2003.
Who Is The Current Governor Of Kogi State?
The current governor of Kogi State is Usman Ahmed Ododo, who started his term on January 27, 2024. He is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and he is the fifth governor chosen through democratic elections in Kogi State.
He took over from Yahaya Bello, who was governor from January 27, 2016, to January 27, 2024. Usman Ahmed Ododo was born on February 7, 1982, in Kogi State.
He studied accounting and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria. Then he continued his education by getting a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Lagos.
Additionally, Ododo is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Ododo has worked as the Auditor-General for Local Governments in Kogi State, where he was In charge of checking and managing financial records for local government councils.
Ododo’s political career started when he was chosen as the financial secretary for local governments by Governor Yahaya Bello. In the elections held in November 2023, Ododo won and became the governor of Kogi State.
READ ALSO: List Of Nasarawa State Governors And Their Deputies (1999-Present)
Who Is The Current Deputy Governor Of Kogi State?
Salifu Joel is the current Deputy Governor of Kogi State, taking office on January 27, 2024. Joel Oyibo Salifu was sworn in on the same day as Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo.
This new administration began after the gubernatorial election held in November 2023. Before Joel Oyibo Salifu, the Deputy Governor was Edward David Onoja.
Edward Onoja held the position from October 21, 2019, until January 27, 2024. He became Deputy Governor after Simon Achuba was impeached by the Kogi State House of Assembly in October 2019.
The impeachment followed allegations of gross misconduct against Achuba, but an investigative committee found the allegations were not proven. Simon Achuba had served as Deputy Governor before Onoja.
His term was cut short by the impeachment, which was a notable event in Kogi State’s recent political history. The Kogi State House of Assembly played a part in this change.
In the past, other individuals have held the position of Deputy Governor, including Chief Patrick Adaba and Dr. Phillips Omeiza Ozovehe. These leaders have all contributed to the state’s governance in different ways. The Deputy Governor of Kogi State is the second-highest political office in the state.
Under the leadership of Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo and Deputy Governor Joel Oyibo Salifu, the current administration has promised to focus on improving the lives of the people in Kogi State and working towards its development.