A Kogi State High Court sitting in Lokoja has removed HRM Ahmed Muhammed Tajani Anaje, appointed by former Governor Yahaya Bello in 2024, as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
Presiding Judge, Justice Salisu Umar, issued the ruling on Monday, directing Anaje to cease parading himself as the paramount traditional ruler of Ebiraland.
The case, numbered HCO/05C/2024, was brought before the court by Dr. Barnabas Adeku Ojiah and two others against the Governor of Kogi State and Anaje.
The petitioners challenged the legality of Anaje’s appointment, citing irregularities in the process that led to his emergence as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
Anaje was appointed to the position by former Governor Yahaya Bello in January 2024.
The court’s ruling effectively nullifies his appointment, further mandating compliance with traditional and legal procedures for selecting a new Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government has promised to challenge the removal of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM Mohamned Ahmed Tijani Anaje by a High Court in Lokoja.
The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Muiz Abdullahi, disclosed this in Lokoja while reacting to the court judgment, adding that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has instructed him to appeal against the court verdict.
“We are confident that there will be a reversal of the judgement. The citizens should exercise restraint not to do any contrary to the law".