Court sacks Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, orders fresh selection process

A Kogi State High Court in Lokoja has removed Alhaji Tijani Ahmed-Anaje as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, ruling that his appointment was unlawful.

Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice Umar Salisu barred Ahmed-Anaje from parading himself as the traditional ruler, upholding a suit filed by three plaintiffs—Chief Daudu Adeku-Ojiah, Hussain Yusuf, and Abdulrahaam Suberu—who challenged his selection.

The plaintiffs, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Lawal Rabana, argued that Ahmed-Anaje’s appointment by former Governor Yahaya Bello did not follow the proper selection process outlined in the Procedure of Ascension to the Throne of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Edict No. 3 of 1997 and Kogi State Chiefs Law of 2006. They sought a court declaration nullifying the process, citing the involvement of unauthorized individuals in the selection.

Justice Salisu ruled in their favor and ordered Ahmed-Anaje’s removal from the throne, directing that a fresh selection be conducted by the legitimate kingmakers of Ebiraland.

Ahmed-Anaje, along with Governor Ahmed Ododo and the Kogi State Attorney-General, opposed the suit, arguing through their legal representatives that the case lacked merit.

Following the judgment, Attorney-General Muzi Abdullahi announced the government’s intention to appeal, urging residents to remain calm.

Ahmed-Anaje was appointed after a selection process involving 70 candidates seeking to succeed the late Alhaji Ado Ibrahim, who passed away on October 29, 2024, at the age of 94.

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