Latest Kogi news: Governor Yahaya Bello Deposes Four Kogi Monarchs, Announces Successors in Major Chieftaincy Reshuffle
In a significant move, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has deposed four traditional rulers, including a first-class monarch, Ohimege Igu, Konto-Nkarfe, and Alhaji Abdulrazaq Koto. The state executive committee announced the decisions after a meeting, revealing a reshuffle in the traditional leadership of the state.
Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isah Koto, the Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe and Chairman of the Lokoja/Kogi Local Government Area Traditional Council, has been removed and subsequently banished to Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State. Alhaji Salihu Seidu, popularly known as SAS, has been appointed to replace the deposed Ohimege, with immediate turbaning to prevent a leadership vacuum.
Governor Bello also disclosed the appointment of Alhaji Ahmed Anaje, formerly the Ohi of Okenwen, as the new Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
The governor’s address stated, “Having followed through our Traditional and Chieftaincy Laws, rules and regulations and all the due processes, we have come to the following resolutions.
Other deposed monarchs include His Royal Highness, Sam Bola Ojoa, the Olu Magongo of Magongo; and His Royal Highness, Samuel Adayi Onimisi, the Obobanyi of Emani, who are to be deposed to Salka, Magama Local Government Area, and Doko, Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State, respectively.
Governor Bello explained that decisions were taken after interventions by the government to resolve controversies in the selection process. The appointments of the next occupants were also revealed:
- Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir as the Maigari of Lokoja.
- Alhaji Dauda Isah as the Maiyaki of Kupa.
- Mallam Saidu Akawo Salihu as the Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe, following the selection decision endorsed by the Lokoja/Kogi Local Government Area Traditional Council.
- Creation of the Ohi of Uhuodo, recognizing Ododo as a bonafide child of Ita’azi, the father of Ebira land, and Uhuodo as a distinct district in Ebira land.
The governor emphasized the adherence to due processes and the resolution of longstanding controversies in the traditional leadership, ensuring a smooth transition to the newly appointed monarchs.
