The outgoing Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has dissolved the State Executive Council and deposed some paramount rulers in the state.
OBSERVERSTIMES earlier reported that
Governor Bello deposed the Ohimege Igu Koton Karfe, who was the chairman of the Lokoja/Kogi Local Government Area traditional council.
He also deposed Sam Bola OJua – the Olumogo Of Ogorimago as well as Samuel Adayi Onimiisi, the Obobanyi of Emenyi.
Bello disclosed this in an address shortly after a meeting with the members of the state executive committee.
The governor, however, announced the appointment of Alhaji Salihu Seidu, popularly known as SAS, to replace the deposed Ohimege.
“He is to be turbaned immediately to avoid vacuum,” Bello said.
He also announced the appointment of Alhaji Ahmed Anaje, who until now is the Ohi of Okenwen, as the new Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
According to Governor Bello, “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 “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 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 “Obobanyi of Ihima” as the present occupant remains deposed. His Royal Highness, Boniface Musa, the Onu-Ife in Omala Local Government is to be suspended, indefinitely.”
The governor added that some decisions were taken on some stools after due intervention by the government to resolve the lingering controversies that have characterised the selection process.
He added, “The government, hereby, comes up with the following appointments of the next occupants.
“Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir is hereby appointed as the Maigari of Lokoja.
“Alhaji 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 Akawo Salihu is hereby appointed as the Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe 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.”
SaharaReporters learnt that the development had caused crisis in Koton Karfe community of Kogi State and gridlock on the Abuja-Lokoja Road, following the announcement of the removal of Alhaji Abdulrazak Isah Koto, the Ohimege and appointment of Alhaji Seidu Akawo Salihu who had been opposing the Ohimege since the contest in 2012.
Crisis has however erupted causing a serious gridlock in Koton Karfe of Kogi State following the announcement of the removal of their King, HRH Alhaji Abdulrazak Isah Koto and appointment of Alhaji Seidu Akawo Salihu who had been opposing the Ohimege since the contest in 2012.
The indigenous people of Koton have taken it to the streets to react to what they see as a political appointment which they alleged was aided by the Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources Mr. Bashiru Gegu who is not even from the area, SaharaReporters learnt.
“The Bashiru said to have been at loggerheads with the King and vowed to aid the removal of the King and give it to his rival popularly known as SAS because he could not get the King to soil his hands into politics,” a source revealed.
“Those plying the Lokoja-Abuja road are advised to take caution,” he added.
