Gov Yahaya Bello ‘Digs Into The Past’ To Dethrone Kogi Monarchs

Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who became the governor of Kogi state on January 27 ,  2016, and would be ending  his governorship in a few days’ time, took a decision that shook the traditional institution in the Confluence State on Monday.

 Though the state Government had in a  query  letter with reference number MLGCA/CHI/S/P/359/1/36 which was  dated November 22, 2023, and  signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Salami  Deedat, accused  the Ohimege Igu, Konto-Nkarfe, Alhaji Abdulrazaq  Koto of  getting involved in partisan politics especially  ahead of the governorship election held in the state on November 11, the governor in wielding the big stick on Monday chose to ‘dig into the past’.

Ongoing court cases and past court rulings that the state government had chosen to look the other way , were cited.

Team@orientactualmags.com learned that he had done this sensing that the governor-elect , Ahmed Ododo , may not want to rock the boat and therefore  hesitate in  sacking the affected traditional rulers.

The state Government announced deposition of three traditional rulers, including  the Ohimege Igu, Konto-Nkarfe, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Koto.

Koto was subsequently banished to Rijau Local Government ,Niger state.

Alhaji Salihu Seidu,  who is popularly called  SAS, was named as his replacement.

‘He is to be turbaned immediately to avoid a vacuum’ Bello said.

‘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  Traditional Council, is hereby removed and to be deposed to Rijau Local Government, Niger state.

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

His Royal Highness, Samuel Adayi Onimisi, the Obobanyi of Emani, is removed and to be deposed to Doko, Lavun Local Government , 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  taking into cognizance  the fact that the title; ‘Obobanyi of Ihima’ is a subject of litigation and the court of law is yet to arrive at a 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’ Bello submitted after the meeting held by  the state exco in Lokoja on Monday.

The governor added that some decisions were taken on some thrones after due intervention by the government to resolve the lingering controversies that have characterized the selection process.

‘The government, hereby, comes up with the appointment of  the  following people as the new 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  Traditional Council, dated 14/5/2012, Mallam Saidu Akawo Salihu is hereby appointed as Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe and he is to be turbaned immediately to avoid a vacuum.

Finally, going by the high court judgment of 1998, which gives 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 added.

The governor has  also announced the appointment of Alhaji Ahmed Anaje as  the new Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.  He was  until  his appointment  as Ohinoyi, the Ohi of Okenwen-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980. Thank you