By Emmanuel Kwada
A State High Court in Lokoja has sacked the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Tijani Ahmed-Anaje, in a judgment delivered by Justice Umar Salisu. The court ordered Ahmed-Anaje to vacate the throne pending a fresh selection by the kingmakers of the Ebiraland. This decision comes after Chief Daudu Adeku-Ojiah, Hussain Yusuf, and Abdulrahaam Suberu challenged the appointment of Ahmed-Anaje by former governor Yahaya Bello as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
The state Attorney-General, Mr Muzi Abdullahi, announced that the governor has instructed him to appeal against the court verdict, expressing confidence that there will be a reversal of the judgment
The plaintiffs argued that the procedure adopted in appointing Ahmed-Anaje was wrongful and unlawful, contrary to the Procedure of Ascension to the Throne of Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, Edict No 3 of 1997.
The court’s judgment has sparked a reaction from Governor Ahmed Ododo, who called for calm in the state. The state Attorney-General, Mr Muzi Abdullahi, announced that the governor has instructed him to appeal against the court verdict, expressing confidence that there will be a reversal of the judgment.
With over 70 candidates having jostled for the stool of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, the people of Kogi state await the next steps in this significant development.