In a significant legal development, a Kogi State High Court in Lokoja has ruled to remove HRM Ahmed Muhammed Tajani Anaje from his position as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. The court’s decision, delivered on Monday by Presiding Judge Justice Salisu Umar, mandates that Anaje cease presenting himself as the paramount traditional ruler of the Ebiraland region, effectively nullifying his appointment.
The case, numbered HCO/05C/2024, was brought before the court by Dr. Barnabas Adeku Ojiah and two other petitioners, who challenged the legality of Anaje’s appointment. According to the petitioners, there were significant irregularities in the selection process that led to Anaje’s emergence as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
Anaje was appointed to the esteemed position by former Governor Yahaya Bello in January 2024. However, the petitioners contended that the traditional and legal procedures governing the selection of the Ohinoyi were not followed. They argued that the appointment was marred by procedural lapses, making it unlawful.
The court’s ruling comes as a critical juncture for the Ebiraland kingdom, with the mandate requiring that the legal and traditional procedures for selecting a new Ohinoyi of Ebiraland be adhered to in order to ensure the proper installation of a new ruler. This decision is a major development in the ongoing legal and traditional processes in Kogi State, emphasizing the importance of following both legal and cultural norms in the selection of traditional rulers.
As the implications of this ruling unfold, the people of Ebiraland will be looking closely to see the next steps in the selection process for their traditional leader. The case serves as a reminder of the role that the judiciary plays in safeguarding traditional institutions and ensuring that all procedures are conducted in accordance with the law.
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