In the heart of Kogi State, a saga unfolds as an illegal dethronement sends shockwaves through the community, orchestrated by none other than the controversial figure, Yahaya Bello. Once a symbol of authority, the deposed king finds himself entangled in a web of political maneuvering and power play.
Yesterday, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State deposed three traditional rulers and suspended another.
Top on the list of deposed kings were 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 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.”
The dethronement, shrouded in secrecy, raises questions about the autonomy of traditional institutions and the influence of political figures. Witnesses speak of clandestine meetings, closed-door discussions, and the sudden disappearance of the king’s regalia, marking the abrupt end of an era that had endured for generations.
Yahaya Bello’s involvement in this unprecedented move sparks debates about the blurred lines between politics and traditional leadership. Critics argue that the king’s removal is a blatant violation of cultural norms and an attempt to consolidate political power. Supporters, on the other hand, claim it is a necessary step to align traditional institutions with the government’s vision for progress.
As the community grapples with the aftermath, murmurs of resistance emerge. Locals express concern over the potential erosion of cultural identity and the destabilizing impact on the region’s social fabric. Activists rally for the restoration of the ousted king, advocating for justice and the preservation of indigenous traditions.
The story of the illegal dethronement in Kogi State serves as a stark reminder of the intricate interplay between politics and tradition. It sheds light on the vulnerability of age-old institutions in the face of modern political ambitions and prompts reflection on the delicate balance required to sustain the cultural tapestry that binds communities together.
The aforementioned king was dethroned and banished because they supported the opposition during the Governorship election in the last election. I believe there should be freedoms of speech and freedom of political affiliation.
Why Governor Bello is using his political power to subject everybody to his will. I believe these deposed kings should not sit and watch Yahaya Bello, the state governor, go free because similar things happened in Kano recently.
In November 30, 2021, the Federal High Court, Abuja, declared the banishment of deposed Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, from Kano State as unlawful and unconstitutional.
Delivering judgment in Mr. Sanusi’s suit, the judge, Anwuli Chikere, awarded N10 million compensation to him and against the respondents comprising the police, the State Security Service (SSS), and the Attorney-General of Kano State.
She also ordered them to tender a public apology to him in two national dailies.
The judge declared that the former emir had the right to live anywhere, including Kano State, as enshrined in the country’s constitution.
From the above judgment, I believe that deposed kings can approach court to get justice.
Usman Okai Austin
Writes from Abuja