The Kogi State Government has deposed four traditional rulers, including a first-class traditional ruler, the Ohimege Igu, Konto-Nkarfe, and Alhaji Abdulrazaq Koto.
Koto was subsequently banished to the Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.
The state governor, Yayaha Bello, also appointed Alhaji Salihu Seidu, popularly known as SAS, to replace the deposed Ohimege. “He is to be turbaned immediately to avoid a vacuum,” Bello said.
The governor also announced the appointment of Alhaji Ahmed Anaje, who until now was the Ohi of Okenwen, as the new Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
The governor’s address on the appointments delivered shortly after a meeting held with members of the state executive committee reads, “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 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 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 Ihima” as the present occupant remains deposed. His Royal Highness, Boniface Musa, the Onu-Ife in Omala Local Government is to be suspended indefinitely.”
The governor added that some decisions were taken on some stools after due intervention by the government to resolve the lingering controversies that have characterised the selection process.
He added, “The government, hereby, comes up with the following appointments for the next occupants.
“Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir is hereby appointed as the Maigari of Lokoja.
“Alhaji Dauda Isah is hereby appointed as the Maiyaki of Kupa.
“Similarly, going by 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, Mallam Saidu Akawo Salihu is hereby appointed as the Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe and to be turbaned immediately to avoid vacuum.
“Finally, going by the high court judgment of 1998, which give 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.”