A State High Court in Lokoja has ousted Alhaji Tijani Ahmed-Anaje as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. Justice Umar Salisu ruled that Ahmed-Anaje should not continue to parade himself as the monarch.
The ruling followed a lawsuit filed by Chief Daudu Adeku-Ojiah, Hussain Yusuf, and Abdulrahaam Suberu, who challenged his appointment, citing violations of the procedural laws governing the ascension to the throne.
The plaintiffs argued that the appointment process, including the recommendation by kingmakers, was unlawful and contravened the established procedures.
Gov. Ahmed Ododo, Abdullahi and Ahmed-Anaje, had objected to the claims of the plaintiff, through their Counsels, Muzi Abdullahi and Zakari Abbas, and had asked the court to dismiss the case for lack of merit.
In the judgment, the court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, declaring the appointment of Ahmed-Anaje void and ordering a new selection by the kingmakers of Ebiraland.
Reacting to the judgment, Gov. Ododo, called for calm in the state.
The state Attorney-General, Mr Muzi Abdullahi, who spoke to journalists in Lokoja, over the case, said that the governor has instructed him to appeal against the court verdict.
“We are confident that there will be a reversal of the judgement. The citizens should exercise restraint and not do any contrary to the Law.
“We don’t agree with the judgment because the judge didn’t consider some objections we raised before him.
“The judgment is neither here nor there.
‘You should know that the law is straightforward. One plus one is two, and it can’t be contested.
“Tomorrow, by God’s grace. We are filing Notice and Grounds of appeal challenging the judgment of the court, ‘ the attorney-general said.
