The Kogi State Government has queried His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Abdulrasaq Gambo Isa Koto, the traditional ruler of Ohimege-Igu Kotonkarfe in Kogi Local government area for alleged involvement in partisan politics during the recently conducted governorship election in the state.

In a letter of query with reference number MLGCA/CHI/S/P/359/1/36 dated 22nd November, 2023 and signed by Barr. Salami Momodu Ozigi Deedat,  the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the government frowned at the alleged role played by the royal father during the election.

The Advocate reports that Kotonkarfe was one of the communities where crises erupted few weeks to the November 22, 2023 during the campaign tour of the Social Democratic Party SDP governorship candidate, Alh Murtala Ajaka, to the area.

Some supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC reportedly clashed with the SDP campaign team during which a lady was reportedly killed in the confusion.

The letter of query, a copy of which was obtained by our reporter, reads: “It has come to the notice of the State Government that you deliberately engaged yourself in partisan role in the just concluded Gubernatorial Election in Kogi State.

“This is viewed very seriously, especially that your action, role and participation in partisan politics endangered the security of your domain to the extent that crisis erupted under your watch that led to the death of an innocent young lady in addition to several others that were wounded.

“The blatant action of yours is a sad contradiction of your expected role as a revered Royal Father of your status.  It is more worrisome that you acted unbothered when the much coveted peace and security of the State was being threatened by your action.

“In view of the above, you are hereby requested to forward a written explanation within 48 hours why disciplinary action should not be taken against you .  Oral explanations may also be required from you when the State Government sets up a panel to examine your case.

“Your are advised to give priority attention to the content of this letter, please, your Royal Father.”

It will be recalled that the SDP candidate was in Kotonkarfe town in continuation of his campaigns when his supporters and those of APC engaged in a fight attacking each other with dangerous weapons destroying some vehicles in the process as some sustained injuries.

A woman was reportedly killed during the campaign rally.

In its official reaction to the incident, the SDP through its Director Communications, Mr Faruk Adejo, in a statement alleged that Security personnel protecting the party’s Governorship Candidate successfully repelled gun attacks on the campaign train by political thugs.

He stated that several supporters of Ajaka sustained bullet wounds after the attack, which occurred on his way from a rally to the town’s Central Mosque for his Jumat Prayers.

His words, “In continuation of his campaign of violence and intimidation thugs had earlier opened fire at the rally venue at about 10:30 am when supporters began gathering ahead of Ajaka’s arrival to flag off the event at 1:00 pm.

“The rally was already underway when thugs with sophisticated assault Rifles arrived and started shooting sporadically.

“Party supporters scampered in different directions while the fiery thugs descended on the event equipment namely podium, canopies, chairs, Public Address Systems.

“They fired bullets into the giant speakers, smashed several hundreds of chairs and canopies, and then sustained the gun fire for over 15 minutes,” he said.

Ajaka, who arrived at the venue about 2 hours later, praised supporters and party faithful who bravely returned to the venue despite the attack on hearing the approach of his siren.

He condemned the attack and urged the supporters not to be intimidated.

He said that it was while leaving the rally venue with supporters escorting his motorcade to Jumat Prayers that they ran into a barricade on the road.