- Safiu Kehinde
Kogi State government has queried an Ebira monarch, the Ohi of Okene, Mamman Okatai, over alleged boycott of the coronation ceremony of Hausa-Fulani leaders in the community.
As contained in a letter issued on Saturday by the Permanent Secretary of the state’s Ministry of for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Enimola Eniola, Mamman was accused of frequently turning down invites for the turbaning of the Hausa-Fulani leaders.
Okatai’s action was considered an affront to the constituted authority of the state.
The state government issued the monarch a 48-hour ultimatum to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against you.
The letter read; “The State Government frown at the situation where a Traditional ruler who is to as a Role model and leadership to his subjects and his subordinate is found misleading the people and thereby degrade the value accorded traditional institution.
“You are quite aware that in every organisation/institution, there is a hierarchy that must be recognised for a smooth ruling of the institution devoid of rancor and acrimony
“Therefore, it has come to the notice of the State Government that on several occasion, and of most recent is the turning down of an invitation for the Turbaning of some Hausa-fulani in Ebira land by the Ohinoyi Ebira without cogent reason.
“This action of yours is viewed as an affront to the constituted authority which is amount to misconduct.
“In the light of the above, I have been directed to request you to forward a written explanation within 48hours why disciplinary action should not be taken against you.”