Kogi Government Appeals Against High Court Judgment Removing Ohinoyi

Kogi Government Appeals Against High Court Judgment Removing Ohinoyi

LOKOJA, KOGI STATE - The Kogi State Government has taken decisive legal action by filing an appeal against the recent judgment of the Lokoja High Court that ordered the removal of Alhaji Tijani Ahmed-Anaje as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. The appeal, submitted to the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, has ignited significant debate and captured national attention.

The Controversial Judgment

On Monday, February 3, 2025, Justice Umar Salisu of the Lokoja High Court delivered a ruling mandating the removal of Alhaji Tijani Ahmed-Anaje from his esteemed position. The case was initiated by Daudu Adeku-Ojiah, Hussain Yusuf, and Abdulrahaam Suberu, who contested the legitimacy of Ahmed-Anaje's appointment by former Governor Yahaya Bello. The plaintiffs asserted that the appointment process contravened the Procedure of Ascension to the Throne of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Edict No 3 of 1997, rendering it unlawful.

Government's Swift Response

In response to the judgment, the Kogi State Government, through Attorney General Muzi Abdullahi, swiftly lodged an appeal. The government seeks to overturn the lower court's decision, arguing that Justice Salisu's ruling was legally flawed and contrary to the evidence presented. The appeal contends that the trial court relied on an interlocutory ruling (HCO/12c/2006) which should not have been applicable to the current case.

Grounds for Appeal

The government's appeal is grounded on several legal arguments:

The trial judge's lack of jurisdiction to hear and determine the case.

The judgment being against the weight of evidence.

The reliance on an interlocutory ruling inappropriately applied to the present case.

Attorney General Muzi Abdullahi emphasized that the judgment represented a miscarriage of justice and urged the appellate court to set it aside and dismiss the suit for lack of merit.

The appeal has sparked diverse reactions, with various stakeholders weighing in on the matter. Proponents of the government's action argue that the appeal is crucial to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice. Conversely, critics suggest that the appeal could undermine judicial authority and reflect the political elite's interests.

As the appeal process unfolds, all eyes will be on the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal. The outcome of this high-profile case will have profound implications for Kogi State's governance and its traditional institutions. Whether the appellate court upholds the High Court's judgment or sets a new legal precedent, the decision will be keenly watched by legal experts and the public alike.