Kogi Explosion: Gov Bello Threatens To Depose Prominent Monarch Days After Buhari’s Visit

The revered Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr Ado Ibrahim, has been issued a query from the Kogi State government following his alleged refusal to rightly welcome President Muhammadu Buhari when he visited the state last week.

Naija News recalls that President Buhari was in Kogi last year on December 29th to inaugurate some projects built by Governor Yahaya Bello.

However, shortly before Buhari arrived at the venue of the event, a bomb explosion rocked the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, a development that stirred tension in the community.

At least four people reportedly died in the blast, with some others injured.

The Kogi State government has, however, threatened to depose the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland over what it described as insubordination for not coming out to welcome the president when he arrived in the state moments after the bomb explosion.

According to Sahara Reporters, a letter addressed to the prominent monarch signed by Director of Chieftaincy Affairs, Enimola Eniola, Dr Ibrahim was accused of exhibiting deliberate attitude and actions capable of bringing “Kogi State and Ebira land in particular to grave disrepute”.

The letter read, “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 land mark projects executed by our dear Governor, His Excellency, Alh. 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.

“It might interest you to note that official courtesy demands that when a personality of a President occupying the highest office in the land is visiting or even passing through the State, the Governor and top Public Officers including topmost Traditional Rulers are expected to receive him as a mark of respect for him and the Office he occupies. It is on record that in time past, Topmost 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. But, 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.

“This action of yours is an act of insubordination and disloyalty to the President 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 the State and laying bad precedence for Traditional Institution of the State.”

In the letter, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland was ordered to forward a written explanation within 48 hours of why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for his actions described as 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,” the letter stated.