Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has approved the elevation of eight traditional rulers in the state to First Class status.

This was contained in a statement issued in Ilorin on Saturday and signed by Alhaji Haruna Mohammed, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development. The statement indicated that the staff of office would be presented to the newly-upgraded monarchs on Monday at the Government House, Ilorin.

The upgraded chiefs include Alhaji Idris Abubakar, the Emir of Okuta; Alhaji Sabi Idris, the Emir of Gwanara; and Prof Halidu Abubakar, the Emir of Ilesha-Baruba. Others are Alhaji Usman Seriki, Oba Salihu Adasofegbe, Olosi of Osi in Ekiti local government council; and Oba Abubakar Adelodun Olupako of Share in Ifelodun Local Government Area.

Also elevated are Oba Samuel Dada, the Alofa of Illofa in Oke-Ero; and Oba Solomon Oleyede, Olusin of Isanlu-Isin in Isin Local gGovernment area. The upgrading of the eight traditional rulers brings the number of first class chiefs in the state to 19.