Olu Samuel, Lokoja
The Kogi state government has rejected the response of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr Ado Ibrahim to the query issued to him on why he failed to welcome the President to Okene when he visited last December 29th to commision Bellos legacy projects.
A letter sent to the Royal father , signed by the state Commissioner for local government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Salami Momodu and sighted by our Correspondent stated that the response was rejected for not complying with the appropriate title of his stool as recognized by the Kogi State Chieftaincy law 2006 and your letter of appointment.
Recall that the the Royal father was not available to welcome the President last December when he visited the state to commision some projects, a decision wish in response to the query was blamed on a bomb blast close to the palace when four people were reportedly dead.
The letter stated that the decision of the Monarch to use use the title of Atta Ebira and not Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in official communication is at variance with sections 19a, 27(2b), 33 and schedules II and V of Kogi State Chiefs (Appointment, Deposition and Establishment of Traditional Councils in Kogi State) Law, 2006 and your letter of appointment issued to you with Ref. No. GHLK/KGS/22 dated 2nd June, 1997.
The letter reads:
“I wish to refer to your letter Ref. No. ETC/CHI/35/VOL.II/33 dated 6th January, 2023 in respect of the above subject matter and to inform you that the said letter under reference which ought to be your response to a letter of query was not conveyed with the appropriate title of your stool as recognized by the Kogi State Chieftaincy law 2006 and your letter of appointment.
Your personal decision to use The title of Atta Ebira is alien to law and not recognized by Government. Therefore any correspondence with that title is unacceptable for official purpose.
In view of the above, you are hereby requested to kindly re-submit your reply to the query with the appropriate title within 48hours to enable further necessary action to be taken.
It is expected that Your Royal Majesty will respond accordingly, please.”