A High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi state has declared the appointment of HRM Ahmed Muhammed Tajani Anaje, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, as null and void.
The ruling which happened on Monday and was presided by Justice Salisu Umar states that Anaje must cease parading himself as the paramount traditional ruler of Ebiraland with immediate effect.
Anaje’s appointment was contested in a case numbered HCO/05C/2024, and filed by Dr. Barnabas Adeku Ojiah and two others.
The petitioners challenged the legality of Anaje’s appointment, arguing that there were irregularities in the selection process leading to his emergence as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
Anaje was appointed in January 2024 by former Governor Yahaya Bello, following the demise of the previous Ohinoyi. However, his selection sparked controversy, with stakeholders questioning due process and traditional protocols.
With the court ruling in favour of the petitioners, the judgment effectively nullifies Anaje’s appointment and calls for a fresh selection process that aligns with legal and traditional procedures.
Following the ruling, the Kogi State Government and the relevant traditional councils are expected to implement the court’s directives regarding the appointment of a new Ohinoyi.
It is yet to be ascertained if Anaje will contest the ruling in a higher court or if he will relinquish the throne for the state government to commence a new selection process for the revered traditional position.
