The Kogi State Government has issued a query to the powerful Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, over his alleged disrespect in not personally receiving President Muhammadu Buhari during his state visit to the state at the end of last year.
The monarch was also alleged to have disrespected Governor Yahaya Bello who was the chief host during the visit on December 29, 2022.
In the letter dated on 5th January, 2023, and signed by one Enimola A. Eniola, Director, Chieftaincy Affairs ,on behalf of the commissioner for Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs the monarch who ascended the throne in 1997 was directed to “forward a written explanation within 48hrs on why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for acts of insubordination and disloyalty”.
Besides the written query, the Ohinoyi is expected to appear before a panel to be set up by the Kogi state government to give oral explanation why he should not be punished for his action.”
The letter reads: “It has been observed with serious concern that you have been exhibited deliberate attitude and actions capable of bringing Kogi and Ebiraland ,in particular to grave disrepute. The actions are quite unbecoming of a revered Royal father of your status.
“In 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.
“You have chosen to disdain the office of the executive governor, and this time ,you did it with effrontery before the number one citizen of Nigeria.
“It’s on record that in time past ,top most traditional rulers ,including the president, Kogi state council of chiefs do receive the governor of the state on his return from critical missions undertaken on behalf of the state .
“This action of yours is an act of insubordination and disloyalty to the President and and Commander-in-Chief of 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 of the state and laying bad precedence of traditional institution of the state.”
The powerful Ohinoyi of Ebiraland came to the throne as one of the richest men in the country and the query from the Kogi State Government is bound to elicit strong reactions.
