In a landmark ruling, the Kogi State High Court sitting in Lokoja has removed His Royal Majesty, Ahmed Muhammed Tajani Anaje as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, effectively nullifying his appointment. The court also barred him from parading himself as the paramount traditional ruler of the kingdom.
Presiding Judge, Justice Salisu Umar, delivered the judgment on Monday, citing irregularities in the selection process that led to Anaje’s ascension to the revered throne. The case, Suit No. 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 legitimacy of Anaje’s appointment, arguing that due process was not followed in his selection. They maintained that his emergence as Ohinoyi was marred by procedural violations and lacked broad acceptance among key stakeholders in Ebiraland.
Anaje was appointed in January 2024 by former Governor Yahaya Bello, following the demise of the previous Ohinoyi, Dr. Ado Ibrahim. However, the latest ruling renders his appointment void, reinforcing the need for strict adherence to traditional and legal protocols in choosing a new Ohinoyi.
The court’s decision is expected to ignite political and traditional tensions in the state, as stakeholders now await the next steps from the Kogi State Government and the Ebira Traditional Council regarding the selection of a new ruler.
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