KOGI STATE GOVERNMENT QUERIES OHINOYI OF EBIRALAND OVER HIS ABSENCE DURING BUHARI'S VISIT

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Kogi State Government, through the Ministry For Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs has summoned Alh. Dr. Ado Ibrahim, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland for disregarding the presence of President Muhammadu Buhari, on his visit to Okene on 29th of December, 2022.

This was mentioned in a query letter sent to the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland on the January 5, 2023.

In the letter which was signed by Enimola A. Eniola, the Director, Chieftaincy Affairs for Hon. Commissioner MLGCA, the Ohinoyi was asked to forward a written explanation why disciplinary actions should not be taken against him for his act of in-surbodination and disloyalty to the President of Nigeria and also Alh. Yahaya Bello, the Governor of Kogi State.

The statement also noted that these actions by the Ohinoyi, portends grave danger to the Security of the State and Laying bad precedence for Traditional Institution of the State.

The statement reads in part, “It has been observed that with serious concern that you have exhibited deliberate attitude and actions capable of bringing Kogi State and Ebira land in particular to grave dispute. These actions are quite becoming of a royal Father of your status.”

“Specifically, you were aware through various fora of the glorious visit of Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR to Okene on 29th December, 2022 to commission landmark project executed by Governor, His Excellency, Alh. Yahaya Bello. In a flagrant disregard to the persons and high offices of the President and Governor, you bluntly refused to come out and receive the President at the designated venue rightly approved by the Executive Governor of the State.”

“It might interest you to note that official courtesy demands that when a personality of the president occupying the highest office in the land is visiting or even passing through the State, the Governor and top public officers, including topmost Traditional Rulers are expected to receive him as a mark of respect for him and the office he occupies.”

“It is on record that in time past, Topmost Traditional Rulers including the President, Kogi State Council of Chiefs do receive the Governor of the State on his return from critical missions undertaken on behalf of the State. But, you have chosen to disdain the office of the Executive Governor, and this time, you did it with effontery before the number one citizen of Nigeria.”

“This action of yours is an act of in-surbodination and disloyalty to the President and Commander-In-Chief of Nigerian Armed Forces, the Executive Governor of Kogi State and the entire Ebira nation as a whole. It portends grave danger to the security of the State and laying bad precedence for Traditional Institution of the State.”

“In view of the above, I have been directed to request you to forward a written explanation within 48hours why disciplinary action should not be taken against you for these acts of in-surbodination and disloyalty.”

“Oral explanations may he required from you when a panel is set up to study your case.”

“It is expected that you will accord priority to the content of this letter, Your Royal Majesty.”