The governor of Kogi State has issued a query to the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, AbdulRahman Ado-Ibrahim, over his refusal to personally host President Muhammadu Buhari during his visit to the state on December 29 to inaugurate some projects.
The government, in a query letter signed by the state director of chieftaincy affairs, Enimola Eniola, and dated January 5, said the action of the traditional ruler was capable of bringing Kogi state and Ebiraland in particular to a grave disrepute.
“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,” the letter read in part.
“Specifically, you were aware through many fora of the glorious visit of Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, to Okene on 29th December, 2022, to commission landmark 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 the 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 times past, topmost traditional rulers, including the president, and the 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.”
The government described the monarch’s action as an act of insubordination and disloyalty. It therefore directed him to submit a written apology within 48 hours, explaining why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.
“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 institutions of the State.
“In view of the above, I have been directed to request that you forward a written explanation within 48 hours on why a disciplinary action should not be taken against you for these acts of insubordination and disloyalty. Oral explanations may be required from you when a panel is set up to study your case,” the letter added.
