For failing to receive and welcome President Muhammadu Buhari when he visited Kogi State, the State Government has queried the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, over what it tagged “insubordination and disloyalty.”
The president paid a working visit to the state on accused on December 29, 2022, with only the monarch conspicuously absent in joining the state governor, Yahya Bello to welcome and receive him.
In the letter dated 5th December 2023, and signed by one Enimola A. Eniola, Director, Chieftaincy Affairs, on behalf of the commissioner for Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The monarch was directed to “forward a written explanation within 48hrs 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 an oral explanation why he should not be punished for his action.”
The letter reads: “It has been observed with serious concern that you have exhibited 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.”
