The Kogi State Government has officially challenged the recent court ruling that nullified the appointment of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Tijani Ahmed-Anaje.
The appeal was filed at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, seeking to overturn the decision of the Lokoja High Court.
Confirming the development on Tuesday, Kogi State Attorney General, Muzi Abdullahi (SAN), stated that the government is determined to protect the legitimacy of Ahmed-Anaje’s appointment and prevent disruptions to the state’s traditional institutions.
On Monday, Justice Umar Salisu of the Lokoja High Court nullified Ahmed-Anaje’s appointment following a case brought by three plaintiffs—Daudu Adeku-Ojiah, Hussain Yusuf, and Abdulrahman Suberu. The plaintiffs contended that the selection process violated Edict No. 3 of 1997, which governs the ascension to the Ohinoyi throne.
Initially filed in Okene, the case was later transferred to Lokoja, where the court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs and ordered the removal of Ahmed-Anaje as the paramount ruler of Ebiraland.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, Governor Ahmed Ododo and the Attorney General filed an appeal, naming Adeku-Ojiah, Yusuf, and Suberu as respondents. The appeal seeks to:
- Overturn the Lokoja High Court’s ruling.
- Reinstate Ahmed-Anaje as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
- Dismiss the plaintiffs’ case for lacking merit.
The government presented five key arguments in its appeal:
- The trial judge erred by relying on Exhibit P.O.4, which was attached to an affidavit responding to the defendants’ preliminary objection.
- The ruling was influenced by an interlocutory decision in Suit No. HCO/12c/2006, which had no connection to the selection of the current Ohinoyi.
- The trial court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case but proceeded to issue a ruling that led to a miscarriage of justice.
- The judgment was not supported by the weight of evidence presented in court.
- The ruling was based on outdated legal precedent, which was inapplicable to the circumstances of Ahmed-Anaje’s appointment.
Attorney General Abdullahi insisted that Ahmed-Anaje’s appointment was conducted in line with established traditional laws and procedures. He further warned that if the judgment is upheld, it could set a dangerous precedent that might destabilize traditional institutions in Kogi State.
With the matter now before the Court of Appeal, all eyes will be on the judicial process to determine the fate of the Ohinoyi’s appointment and the broader implications for the state’s traditional leadership structure.
