Kogi monarch to appear before panel for allegedly disrespecting Buhari

A prominent Kogi monarch, Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr Ado Ibrahim, has received a query from the state government for reportedly failing to welcome President Muhammadu Buhari during his working last visit to the state.

The state government, which considers the action an act of disrespect to President Buhari and Governor Yahaya Bello, says the king will soon appear before a panel to explain himself.

This is contained in the letter dated December 5, 2023, and signed by Enimola A. Eniola, Director of Chieftaincy Affairs, on behalf of the state Commissioner for Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Ahead of the panel sitting, the monarch was asked to “forward a written explanation within 48 hours on why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for acts of insubordination and disloyalty.”

The king was asked to appear before the panel to be set up by the state government to give oral explanation why he should not be punished for his action.

The letter read, “It has been observed with serious concern that you have been exhibiting deliberate attitude and actions capable of bringing Kogi, and Ebiraland in particular, to grave disrepute. The actions are quite unbecoming of a revered royal father of your status.

“In 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.

“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.

“It’s on record that in time past, top most 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.

“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 of traditional institution of the state.”