A Kogi State High Court in Lokoja has ruled that Tijani Ahmed-Anaje, the current Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, must vacate the throne. The court, led by Justice Umar Salisu, issued the order on Monday, instructing Ahmed-Anaje not to continue presenting himself as the traditional ruler of the Ebiraland.
The controversial appointment of Ahmed-Anaje, made by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in January 2024, has been the subject of legal dispute. In December 2024, three individuals Daudu Adeku-Ojiah, Hussain Yusuf, and Abdulrahaam Suberu filed a lawsuit challenging the appointment. The plaintiffs, who claimed that the process of appointing Ahmed-Anaje was flawed, argued that it did not adhere to the procedures outlined in Section 4(1) of the Chiefs (Appointment, Deposition, and Establishment of Traditional Councils in Kogi State) Law of 2006.
The plaintiffs sought a court order to restrain the Kogi State government and Attorney General Muzi Abdullahi from recognizing Ahmed-Anaje as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. One of their key arguments was that the traditional rulers involved in the selection process were not properly constituted, rendering the entire process invalid.
In his ruling, Justice Salisu sided with the plaintiffs, declaring the selection process and the appointment of Ahmed-Anaje as Ohinoyi to be null and void. The judge ordered that Ahmed-Anaje vacate the throne immediately and await a new selection process by the kingmakers of Ebiraland.
Responding to the ruling, Kogi State Attorney General Muzi Abdullahi expressed the government’s intention to appeal the court’s decision. He stated that Governor Usman Ododo had directed an appeal to challenge the judgment, citing concerns that certain objections raised during the trial were not properly considered by the court. Abdullahi expressed confidence that the verdict would be overturned and urged citizens to remain calm and law-abiding during the legal process.
“We believe there will be a reversal of the judgment. The legal process is ongoing, and we are taking the necessary steps to ensure the right outcome,” Abdullahi stated. “We urge everyone to respect the law while we pursue an appeal.”
