The Kogi State Government has issued a query to the paramount traditional ruler and Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Ado Ibrahim, for refusing to welcome the President Muhammadu Buhari, to the State.
Buhari, who was in the State on December 29, 2022 to inaugurate some projects including the palace of the Ohinoyi built by Governor Yahaya Bello, was received by top government officials and foremost traditional rulers but the vice-president of Kogi State Council of Chiefs was absent.
In a letter to the prominent monarch signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Affairs, Enimola Eniola, the Emir was accused of exhibiting deliberate attitude and actions capable of bringing “Kogi State and Ebiraland in particular to grave disrepute”. According to the letter, he refused to come out and receive the President at the designated venue rightly approved by Governor Bello.
The letter read in part “It has been observed with serious concern that you have exhibited deliberate attitude and actions capable of bringing Kogi State and Ebira land in particular to grave disrepute. These actions are quite unbecoming of a revered Royal Father of your status. Specifically, you were aware through many fora of the glorious visit of Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of Nigerian Armed Forces, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari to Okene on 29th December, 2022 to commission landmark projects executed by our dear Governor, His Excellency, Yahaya Bello.
“In a flagrant disregard to the persons and high offices of the President and the Governor, you bluntly refused to come out and receive the President at the designated venue rightly approved by the Executive Governor of the State This action of yours is an act of insubordination and disloyalty to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Executive Governor of Kogi State and the entire Ebira nation as a whole. It portends grave danger to the security of the state and laying bad precedence for traditional institutions of the State.
“In view of the above, I have been directed to request you to forward a written explanation within 48 hours why disciplinary action should not be taken against you for these acts of insubordination and disloyalty. Oral explanations may be required from you when a panel is set up to study your case. It is expected that you will accord priority to the content of this letter, Your Royal Majesty”.
