Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje from Adavi has been named as the fifth Ohinoyi of Ebiraland
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State approved the appointment on Monday just as he reportedly rejected the former Clerk of the National Assembly Alhaji Ataba Sani Omolori.
Bello also named four other monarchs to replace those he sacked earlier over various offenses.
Ataba had been considered the heir apparent and frontrunner to ascend the throne after the recent passing of the previous Ohinoyi, Abdul Rahman Ado Ibrahim.
The prince has been reportedly been grooming himself to take over the position once held by his late father for 40 years until 1997.
However, Governor Bello surprisingly announced Mr Anaje on Monday as the paramount ruler of Ebiraland.
Insisde sources said Governor Bello rejected Mr Omolori due to the political difference between them, just as some Ebira elders moved against Mr Anaje’s appointment.
The Secretary of Ebiraland Traditional Council, in Lokoja on Sunday revealed that the names of seven successful contestants to the stool out of the 70 aspirants that applied for the position.
“His Royal Highness, Alhaji Isa Musa-Achuja, the Ohi of Eganyi-led committee has finished its assignment by selecting seven qualified persons out of the 70 contestants screened,” he said.
The seven screened contestants include a former Deputy Governor of the state, Philip Salawu; former Clerk of the National Assembly, Sani Omolori; Yusuf Amuda, Momoh Shaibu, Ibrahim Onuwe Abdulmalik, Ahmad Anaje, and Ahmed Jimoh.
The council secretary said the governor was appreciative of the work of the kingmakers’ committee and commended them for a job well done.
Governor Bello met with the qualified seven aspirants recommended by the kingmakers, and from whom one would be appointed to take the stool.
“The governor had, during the meeting, urged the aspirants to display the spirit of good sportsmanship by supporting whoever is appointed by the government,” Sule said.
