Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has deposed four traditional rulers, including the prominent Ohimege Igu, Konto-Nkarfe, and Alhaji Abdulrazaq Koto, banishing the latter to Rijau Local Government Area in Niger State.
Governor Bello also swiftly appointed Alhaji Salihu Seidu (SAS) to replace the ousted Ohimege Igu in a bid to prevent any leadership void.
In a proclamation delivered post a state executive committee meeting, Governor Bello stated,“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.
He went on to depose and reassign several other traditional rulers, including the removal of the Olu Magongo of Magongo and the Obobanyi of Emani, deposing them to Salka and Doko respectively in 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,” Governor Bello declared.
Addressing further discrepancies, the Governor also reversed the recent elevation of the title “Obobanyi of Ihima” to first-class status, reverting it until a final court decision.
Moreso, Boniface Musa, the Onu-Ife in Omala Local Government, was suspended indefinitely.
Governor Bello highlighted the government’s intervention to resolve controversies surrounding the selection process for various stools, announcing replacements for the vacant positions.
He declared, “Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir is hereby appointed as the Maigari of Lokoja. Alhaji Dauda Isah, is hereby appointed as the Maiyaki of Kupa.”
Referencing a 1998 high court judgment, the Governor further created the stool of Ohi of Uhuodo, initiating the process for occupying the position without delay.
