A Kogi State High Court sitting in Lokoja, the State capital, has sacked the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammed Tijani Anaje from the royal stool.
Justice Salisu Umar, in his ruling on Monday, made an order barring Anaje from parading himself as the paramount traditional ruler of Ebiraland.
The suit marked HCO/05C/2024, was filed by Dr. Barnabas Adeku Ojiah and two others against the Governor of Kogi State.
Reports have it that despite the fact that Anaje was the least qualified among the contestants as it was not his family’s turn, he was appointed as Ohinoyi of Ebiraland by the former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in January 2024 at the twilight of his administration.
In an unexpected move, Bello rejected Mr. Ataba Sani-Omolori who was considered as the front-runner for Ohinoyi, following the death of the former Ohinoyi, Ado Ibrahim.
Sources within the royal family said that Governor Bello’s decision was politically motivated as Omolori was not on good terms with the governor.
While the appointment drew widespread condemnation among indigenes of the rustic town, security agents were quickly drafted to strategic locations in the community to forestall a breakdown of law and order.
Meanwhile, the deposition of the Anaje as the Ohinoyi has brought long-sought justice to the town as many indigenes were seen after the court ruling singing and dancing in celebration.
