Rita Odafe
HRM Ahmed Muhammed Tajani Anaje has been officially dismissed from his role as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, following a ruling by the Kogi State High Court in Lokoja.
The court deemed his appointment invalid on Monday, February 3.
Justice Salisu Umar, who presided over the proceedings, ordered Anaje to stop claiming his title as the traditional leader of Ebiraland immediately.
The case was brought to court under the number HCO/05C/2024 by Dr. Barnabas Adeku Ojiah alongside two co-petitioners against Kogi State’s Governor and Anaje himself.
The plaintiffs questioned the legitimacy of Anaje’s appointment, citing irregularities in how he was selected for the position of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
Anaje was appointed in January 2024 by former Governor Yahaya Bello after the death of the previous Ohinoyi, but his selection was met with controversy and concerns over the adherence to proper procedures and traditions.
With the court’s ruling favoring the challengers, Anaje’s appointment has been annulled, necessitating a new selection process that follows legal and customary guidelines.
In light of this judgment, it is anticipated that both the Kogi State Government and relevant traditional councils will act on the court’s decision to appoint a new Ohinoyi.
It remains uncertain if Anaje will appeal this ruling in a higher court or if the state will initiate a fresh selection for this esteemed traditional role.
