Bello Shakes Kogi Traditional Institutions, appoints new Ohinoyi of Ebiraland

***deposes Ohimege of Koton-Karfe, repositions, suspends others

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

KOGI Government in a major shake up in the state traditional institution, has announced the appointment of Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje, the Ohi of Okenwe as the new Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and deposition of the Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe, Abdulrazaq Isah Koto.

Governor Yahaya Bello made the announcement on the appointments, depositions and repositioning of the traditional stools at the State Executive Council Meeting on Monday in Lokoja.

The governor said the decisions were reached after due intervention by the Government to resolve the lingering controversies that had characterised the selection processes for the various stools.

Following that of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, the governor announced the appointment of Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir as as the Maigari of Lokoja, a traditional stool made vacant by the demise of Alhaji Muhammad Kabir Maikarfi III in September, 2022.

In similar vein, the governor also appointed Alhaji Dauda Isah as the Maiyaki of Kupa.

Bello who made the announcement at the State Executive Council Meeting where he also dissolved the Council said the new development was in line with the state traditional and chieftaincy laws, rules and regulations.

“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.

“That Similarly, on decision No. 3, 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 have 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.

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

Governor Bello also announced the appointment of Mallam Saidu Akawo Salihu as the Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe and to be turbaned immediately in replacement of Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isah Koto, to avoid vacuum.

He said replacement was based on the selection decision of the Odaki Ruling House, dated 27/4/2012 and endorsed by the Lokoja/Kogi Local Government Area Traditional Council, dated 14/5/2012.

Finally, going by the high court judgment of 1998, which give full recognition to Ododo as bonafide child of Ita’azi the father of Ebiraland 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. (Ends)