The Kogi Government has lodged an appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja against the removal of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Tijani Ahmed-Anaje, by a state High Court.
Kogi Attorney General Muzi Abdullahi (SAN), the second claimant in the appeal, disclosed this to Channels Television.
Justice Umar Salisu of the Lokoja High Court had on Monday ordered the removal of the paramount ruler following a case filed by Daudu Adeku-Ojiah, Hussain Yusuf, and Abdulrahaam Suberu. The plaintiffs challenged Ahmed-Anaje’s appointment by former governor Yahaya Bello.
Represented by Lawal Rabana (SAN), the plaintiffs sued Governor Ahmed Ododo, the state attorney general, and the Ohinoyi, arguing that the appointment process violated the Procedure of Ascension to the Throne of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Edict No. 3 of 1997.
In response, Ododo and the attorney general appealed the decision, urging the appellate court to overturn the lower court’s ruling and dismiss the plaintiffs’ case for lack of merit.
They contended that the ruling relied on an interlocutory decision in HCO/12c/2006 regarding the selection and appointment of district heads in Okengwe/Okene, Eika, Ihima, Adavi, and Eganyi.
The appellants argued that the trial judge erred in law by relying on Exhibit P.O 4 and assuming jurisdiction over the case, which they claimed led to a miscarriage of justice.
They have requested the appellate court to uphold their appeal and set aside the lower court’s judgment.