Barely 20 days before exiting office, Kogi Gov. Bello deposes first-class monarch

In a surprising move, the Kogi State Government has deposed a first-class traditional ruler, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isa Koto, also known as the Ohimege Igu, Konto-Nkarfe, with immediate effect.

Summarily, Koto has been banished to the Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.

This action comes as the state governor, Alhaji Yayaha Bello, nears the end of his tenure, while the state’s governor-elect, Mr. Ahmed Usman-Ododo, is expected to be sworn in on January 27, 2024.

The governor wasted no time in appointing a replacement for the deposed Ohimege.

Persecondnews reports that Alhaji Salihu Akawu Seidu, popularly known as SAS, has been named to fill the stool.

Bello had emphasized the urgency of the situation and insisted that Seidu be turbaned immediately to avoid leaving a power vacuum.

Additionally, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje, previously holding the title of Ohi of Okenwen, has been appointed as the new Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.

Persecond News reports that the announcement followed a meeting with members of the State Executive Council, during which the governor cited the required traditional and chieftaincy laws, rules, and regulations.

The resolutions reached can be summarized as follows: “Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isah Koto, the deposed Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe, will be removed and banished to Rijau Local Government Area in Niger State. The Olu Magongo of Magongo, Sam Bola Ojo, will face a similar fate and be deposed to Salka in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State. Furthermore, Samuel Adayi Onimisi, the Obobanyi of Emani, will be removed and sent to Doko in Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State.”

The government also acknowledged ongoing litigation regarding the title “OBOBANYI OF IHIMA” and decided that the status quo should be maintained until the court of law reaches a final decision. Consequently, the title will revert to “OBOBANYI OF EMANI,” resulting in the deposal of the current occupant.

In another stunning move, Boniface Musa, the ONU-IFE in Omala Local Government, will face an indefinite suspension. After resolving controversies surrounding the selection process, the government has made several appointments for vacant positions. Notably, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir has been appointed as the Maigari of Lokoja, and Alhaji Dauda Isah is now the Maiyaki of Kupa.

Lastly, in recognition of the 1998 high court judgment, the government has created the OHI OF UHUODO, thereby allowing for the commencement of the selection process.