This guide comprehensively lists all the local government areas in Kogi State and their chairman. Kogi State, located in the North Central region of Nigeria is the only state in Nigeria that shares borders with ten other states.
It was created on August 27, 1991, from parts of Benue, Niger, and Kwara States. The state is named after the Hausa word for “river” because two major rivers, the Niger and Benue, meet in its capital, Lokoja.
This is why Kogi is called the “Confluence State.” Kogi is the 13th largest state in Nigeria by land size and the 20th most populated, with about 4.8 million people as of 2025.
The land has both forests and savannas, and the main ethnic groups in Kogi include the Igala, Ebira, Okun Yoruba, Nupe, and Bassa. Kogi State’s economy depends mainly on farming.
The people grow crops like coffee, cashew, cocoa, oil palm, yam, and groundnut. Also, the state has many natural resources, including coal, limestone, marble, iron ore, and even crude oil.
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List Of Kogi State Local Government Areas And Their Chairmen
Here is a list of the 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kogi State along with their respective chairmen:
- Adavi – Rasheed Okatengwu
- Ajaokuta – Haruna Aliyu
- Ankpa – Adamu Yahaya
- Bassa – Adama Theophilus Daruwana
- Dekina – John Urah
- Ibaji – Emmanuel Onuche
- Idah – Alfa Halilu
- Igalamela/Odolu – Cosmas Atabor
- Ijumu – Haruna Ibrahim
- Kabba/Bunu – Zaccheaus Dare Michael
- Kogi – Musa Abdulmalik
- Lokoja – Abdullahi Adamu
- Mopa-Muro – Ademola Bello
- Ofu – Musa Muhammed Lawal
- Ogori/Magongo – Rosemary Ohiezuchah
- Okehi – Amoka Monday
- Okene – Enesi Ahmed Nuhu
- Olamaboro – Ameh Williams
- Omala – Edibo Mark
- Yagba East – Joshua Dare Monday
- Yagba West – Olokun Tosin
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Which Is The Largest LGA In Kogi State?
Kabba/Bunu is the largest Local Government Area (LGA) in Kogi State by land area. It covers about 2,706 square kilometers, making it the biggest LGA in terms of size within the state.
The headquarters of this LGA is located in Kabba, a town positioned along the A123 highway. Kabba/Bunu had a population of about 145,446 according to the 2006 census, though the number has increased over the years to 209,868 people in 2025.
The people of Kabba/Bunu mainly speak the Okun language, which is a dialect of Yoruba. However, within the LGA, there are different variations of this language.
The people of Kabba speak the Owé dialect, while those from Bunu refer to their dialect as Èdè Abinu. Also, the leadership structure of this area includes three main leaders: the Obaro, the Obadofin, and the Obajemu.
The Obaro is the head of the Okun traditional council, and the current Obaro of Kabba is Oba Solomon Owoniyi, who has been in office since 2018. Kabba/Bunu is divided into two main districts: Kabba and Bunu.
The economy of Kabba/Bunu is largely based on agriculture as the region has fertile land and a favorable climate that supports the growth of various crops.
The major crops grown in the area are yams, cassava, maize, and sorghum. These agricultural activities provide food for the local people and also serve as a source of income.
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Which LGA Is The Most Populated In Kogi State?
The most populated Local Government Area (LGA) in Kogi State is Okene. It is a town located in the central part of Kogi State, Nigeria.
Okene is one of the major commercial and cultural centers in Kogi State, and it is home to the Ebira people. Okene covers an area of about 328 square kilometers. According to the 2006 census, the population of Okene was recorded at 320,260.
Although the census was conducted many years ago, it is believed that the population has increased significantly since then due to natural growth and urban development.
As of 2025, the population is estimated to be around 472,608 people. Many people from surrounding areas have moved to Okene in search of better opportunities.
The presence of good roads and transport links has helped Okene grow economically. Markets and businesses are common, and people engage in different types of trade, farming, and other forms of economic activities.
One of the notable features of Okene is its educational institutions. The Federal College of Education is located in the town, along with a satellite campus of Kogi State Polytechnic.
Okene has produced many prominent people in Nigeria. Some well-known figures from the town include Yahaya Bello, the Governor of Kogi State, and Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Governor-elect of Kogi State.
Mercy Johnson, a famous Nigerian actress and entrepreneur, is also from Okene. In the business world, Engineer Joseph Makoju, who served as the Managing Director of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria and an adviser to the President of Nigeria, is another respected figure from Okene.
The town has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s political and economic development. Also, the town has a strong cultural and traditional heritage.
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, who is the traditional ruler of the Ebira people, resides in Okene. One of the most famous landmarks in the town is the Azad Palace, which belonged to the late Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Ado Ibrahim Atta.
