Court Sacks Ohinoyi Of Ebiraland

A High Court in Lokoja has issued a decisive verdict nullifying the appointment of Alhaji Tijani Ahmed-Anaje as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. In a ruling delivered by Justice Umar Salisu, the court mandated that Ahmed-Anaje must immediately cease presenting himself as the traditional ruler of the Ebira people.
The lawsuit, brought forth by Chief Daudu Adeku-Ojiah, Hussain Yusuf, and Abdulrahaam Suberu in December, contested the legitimacy of Ahmed-Anaje’s appointment. The plaintiffs, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Lawal Rabana, listed Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, the State Attorney General Muzi Abdullahi, and Ahmed-Anaje as respondents in the legal battle that was originally filed in Okene but was later transferred to Lokoja for adjudication.
The petitioners argued that the selection of Ahmed-Anaje as the Ohinoyi was fraught with procedural irregularities and violated the established legal framework governing the ascension to the throne, specifically the Edict No. 3 of 1997, which outlines the procedural guidelines for installing an Ohinoyi. They sought a declaration from the court affirming that the process used to enthrone the third respondent was unlawful and inconsistent with statutory provisions.
Moreover, they contended that the purported endorsement of Ahmed-Anaje by unidentified kingmakers was in direct contravention of Section 4(1) of the Kogi State Chiefs (Appointment, Deposition, and Establishment of Traditional Councils) Law, 2006, thereby rendering the appointment null and void.
The plaintiffs further challenged the legitimacy of the selection process, arguing that the individuals who participated in the recommendation process were not recognized under existing traditional structures. Consequently, they sought a perpetual injunction barring the state government and its agents from acknowledging or granting any privileges to Ahmed-Anaje in his capacity as Ohinoyi.
In response, Governor Ododo, the Attorney General, and Ahmed-Anaje vehemently opposed the suit, with their legal representatives, Muzi Abdullahi and Zakari Abbas, urging the court to dismiss the case on grounds of lack of merit.
However, Justice Salisu, in his ruling, upheld the claimants’ arguments and directed Ahmed-Anaje to vacate the revered stool, pending a fresh selection process overseen by the duly recognized kingmakers of Ebiraland.
The vacancy attracted significant interest, with no fewer than 70 contenders vying for the prestigious title. Following the demise of the former Ohinoyi, Alhaji Ado Ibrahim, on October 29, 2024, at the age of 94, candidates from four of the five eligible districts—Okewe, Ohema, Erika, Aganiye, and Adavi—had been screened as part of the selection process.
Reacting to the court’s decision, Governor Ododo appealed for calm across the state. The Attorney General, Muzi Abdullahi, in a press briefing, disclosed that the governor had instructed him to challenge the ruling at a higher court.
“We are confident that this judgment will be overturned. The people should remain patient and act within the confines of the law. We firmly believe that the court did not adequately address the objections we raised,” Abdullahi stated.
He further emphasized, “The judgment appears inconclusive. The law is explicit—one plus one equals two, and there is no ambiguity about that. By tomorrow, we will officially file our Notice and Grounds of Appeal.”
With legal maneuvers underway and tensions simmering, the fate of the Ohinoyi throne now rests on the outcome of the appellate process.