A Kogi State High Court sitting in Lokoja has removed His Majesty, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammed Tajani Anaje, as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. The ruling, delivered on Monday by Justice Salisu Umar of High Court 6, also barred Anaje from parading himself as the paramount traditional ruler of Ebiraland.
The case, numbered HCO/05C/2024, was brought before the court by Dr. Barnabas Adeku Ojiah and two others against the Governor of Kogi State. The plaintiffs challenged Anaje’s appointment, which was made by the immediate past governor, Yahaya Bello, before the end of his tenure.
Although the full details of the judgment remain unclear, the court declined one of the plaintiffs’ requests, which sought an order directing the Kogi State Governor to initiate a fresh selection process in accordance with the established procedures for appointing the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
The defendants in the case include the Governor of Kogi State (first defendant), the Attorney General of Kogi State (second defendant), and Alhaji Ahmed Muhammed Tajani Anaje (third defendant).
Anaje’s appointment had been a subject of controversy, with some stakeholders in Ebiraland questioning the selection process. The ruling is expected to have significant implications for the traditional leadership structure in Kogi State.
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