Bello Appoints New Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Deposes Ohimegye-Igu Koton-Karfe, 3 Others

•Dissolves state executive council, retains some commissioners till Jan 27

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has approved the appointment new Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Ahmed Tijani Anaje, formerly the Ohi of OKengwe with immediate effect.

The governor also announced the deposition of Ohimegye of Koto Karfi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isah Koto, the Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe, Chairman, Lokoja/ Kogi Local Government Area Traditional Council, to Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.

At the same time, the governor has dissolved  the State Executive Council, signifing the initiation of the comprehensive transition process as the ‘New Direction Administration’ concluded its tenure.

Governor Bello made this known during the weekly State Executive Council at Government House in Lokoja, yesterday.

He 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 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 ‘Obabanyi 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, ‘Obabanyi 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 “Obabanyi of  Eman” as the present occupant remains deposed. His Royal Highness, Boniface Musa, the Onu-Ife in Omala Local Government is to be suspended, indefinitely.

“On the following stools, after due intervention by the government to resolve the lingering controversies that have characterised the selection process, the government hereby, come up with the following appointments of the next occupants.

“That Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje, who is the Ohi of Okengwe is herby appointed as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir is hereby appointed as the Maigari of Lokoja. Alhaji Dauda Isah, is hereby appointed the Maiyaki of Kupa.

“Similarly, going by the selection decision of the Odaki Ruling House DakiI 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 Ohimegeye Igu of Koton Karfe,” Bello posited.

Meanwhile, a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Muhammed Onogwu, confirming the dissolution of the state executive council, also indicated that some commissioners were retained till the 27th of this month.

The heads of agencies, parastatals and other appointees were also affected by the announcement.

While making the announcement at the end of the State Executive Council Meeting  at the EXCO Hall of the governor’s office, Bello commended affected officials for exemplifying unparalleled commitment, diligence, and unwavering patriotism throughout their tenure.

The government officials affected by this announcement  were instructed to ensure a thorough and proper handover process, transferring all pertinent government documents, properties, and materials to the permanent secretary of their ministries or senior government officials stationed in their respective offices.

The governor, however, retained some members of the council till the 27th of January.