•Announce, new Maigari of Lokoja, Ohinoyi of Ebiraland
LOKOJA—Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, yesterday, deposed three traditional rulers of the state, as well as suspended another one.
The announcement was made after the State Executive Council meeting.
Top on the lists of the deposed kings was the Ohimege of Kotonkarfe, Isa Koto; and the Olu of Mango, Sam Bola.
In Koto, former commissioner for Water Resources, Salih Akawu was announced as the new Ohimege of Koto, while Ibrahim Gambo Makaifi (4th) was announced as the new Maigari of Lokoja and The Tijani Anaje as the new Ohinoyi of Egbira land.
The Onu-Ife, Boniface Musa in Abejukolo area of Omala Council area was suspended indefinitely.
The deposed kings were banished to Niger state.
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, Abdulrazaq 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 Ojo, the Olu Magongo of Magongo is removed and to be deposed to Salka, Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.
“His Royal Highness, Samuel Onimisi, the Obobanyi of Emani, Okehi LGA 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.
“Ahmed Anaje, who is the Ohi of Okenwe, is herby appointed as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
“Ibrahim Gambo Kabir is hereby appointed as the Maigari of Lokoja. 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 Salihu is hereby appointed as the Ohimege-Igu Koron-?Kaefe 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.”.
The Governor similarly dissolved his cabinet and announced caretaker chairmen for the 21 LGA of the state.
However, few of the cabinet members were retained, amongst which is the Secretary to the state Government, Folashade Arikeade; Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo; Commissioner for Finance, Asiru Idris and Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones.