Jan. 8, 2024

Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Monday appointed Alhaji Ahmed Tijani-Anaje, who is the Ohi of Okenwe, as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland even as he deposed three traditional rulers of the state.

He also appointed Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo-Kabir as the Maigari of Lokoja.

The governor made the pronouncements in an address on Monday in Government House, Lokoja.

Tijani-Anaje replaces late Ohinoyi Dr Ado Ibrahim, who died on Oct. 29, 2023 at 94 due to protracted illness.

Gambo-Kabir replaces late Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Muhammad Kabir Maikarfi III, who died on Sept. 28, 2022 at age of 80.

The governor also appointed Alhaji Dauda Isah as the Maiyaki of Kupa in Lokoja, Lokoja Local Government Area.

He said that government had to come up with the appointments after due intervention to resolve the lingering controversies that have characterised the selection process for the three vacant stools in the state.

Bello also announced the removal of three traditional rulers and suspension of others.

“Having followed through our Traditional and Chieftaincy Laws, Rules and Regulations and all the due processes, we have come to the following resolutions: “His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isah-Koto, the Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe, who is also the Chairman, Lokoja/ Kogi Local Government Area Traditional Council, is hereby removed and to be deposed to, Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.

“His Royal Highness, Sam Bola Ojoa, the Olu Magongo of Magongo is removed and to be deposed to Salka, Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.

“His Royal Highness, Samuel Adayi Onimisi, the Obobanyi of Emani, is removed and to be deposed to Doko, Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State.

“Similarly, on decision of the title “Obobanyi of Ihima” which reads on the promotion letter, upgrading the stool to first class status, was done without cognisance to the fact that the title; “Obobanyi of Ihima” is a subject of litigation and the court of law is yet to arrive at the possible final decision.

“As such, the government has, however, received several petitions, calling attention to the need to revert and maintain status quo, until the court of law decides.

“To this end, the stool is hereby reverted to “Obobanyi of Emani” as the present occupant remains deposed.

“Also, His Royal Highness, Boniface Musa, the Onu-Ife in Omala Local Government is to be suspended indefinitely,’’ governor said.

He appointed Malam Saidu Akawo Salihu as the Ohimege-igu Koton-Karfe and to be turbaned immediately to avoid vacuum.

He added that the appointment followed the selection decision of the Odaki Ruling House dated April 27, 2012 and endorsed by the Lokoja/Kogi Local Government Area Traditional Council, dated May 14, 2012.

“Finally, going by the high court judgment of 1998 which gave full recognition to Ododo as bonafide child of Ita’Azi, the father of Ebira land and Uhuodo as a distinct district in Ebira land with equal rights as others.

“Therefore, the stool of Ohi of Uhuodo is hereby created and processes for the occupation of the stool to commence with immediate effect,’’ he said.

The unveiling of HRH Dr. Ahmad Tijani-Anaje, as the new Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, settled the dust raised by 70 contestants, who jostled for the stool shortly after the demise of Dr Ado Ibrahim.

Tijani-Anaje was among the lucky seven left standing after a screening committee finished its assignment and submitted the list to the governor.

Among them is former Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Philip Salawu; former Clerk of the National Assembly, Barrister Ataba Sani Omolori; and Gen. Yusuf Abubakar Amuda.

Others are Mr Momoh Shaibu, Prof. Ibrahim Onuwe Abdulmalik and Mr Ahmed Momoh Jimoh. (NAN)