The history-making event which took place at the grand Palace of the Ohinoyi in Okene on Thursday was witnessed by a diverse array of attendees, fostering an atmosphere of jubilation and unity.
Governor Bello extended commendations to over 70 other contestants who vied for the esteemed traditional stool in Ebiraland, acknowledging their gallant display of sportsmanship and maturity throughout the process.
Addressing Ebira sons and daughters, the governor emphasized the need to strengthen unity and contribute collectively to the development of Ebiraland and Kogi State at large.
“In congratulating the over 70 qualified aspirants for the revered stool of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, I commend you all for your spirit of sportsmanship and the maturity displayed for the interest of Ebiraland. Your act of patriotism, prioritizing the interest of Anebira above personal gain, is truly commendable. Congratulations to each one of you,” expressed the governor.
He urged the newly appointed paramount ruler of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmedtijani Anaje, to prioritize unity, security, progress, and the overall development of Anebira.
Governor Bello emphasized that, by virtue of assuming the position, Alhaji Ahmedtijani Anaje represents not just a single religion but all religious denominations in the land. As the Ohinoyi, he is now a unifying figure for all clans and districts in Ebiraland.
“On this historic day of your coronation, your clan is now the clan of the entire people of Ebiraland, your district is now the district of the people of Ebiraland, and your religion is the religion of the people of Ebiraland. While congratulating you, I urge you to collaborate with the President, Kogi State Traditional Council of Chiefs, the Atta Igala and other Royal majesty towards peace, security, and development in our state,” remarked the governor.
In his remarks, HRM Ahmedtijani Muhammed Anaje, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, declared his commitment to defending the interests of the people and fostering unity among Anebira.
“I have been given the authority over you, and I am not the best of you. If I do well, help me; and if I do wrong, set me right. The unity of Ebiraland can guarantee peace, security, and development. I call on every constant and the entire Ebiraland to come together to foster unity and development. I want to thank the governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, and all Ebira sons and daughters for the various roles they played to achieve this rancor-free process,” he urged.
Barrister Momodu Ozigi Deedat, the commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, lauded the governor, the kingmakers, and the stakeholders involved in the selection of the Ohinoyi. He emphasized the peaceful nature of the process, foreseeing progress and prosperity for Ebiraland. Barrister Deedat commended Governor Yahaya Bello for his care for the traditional institution, highlighting that during his eight-year administration, four Royal Majesties were successfully coronated without any acrimony.
An alumnus of the prestigious University of Jos, HRM Ahmedtijani Muhammed Anaje served in the Nigerian Army with a distinguished and unblemished career record. His previous role as the Ohi of Okenwe began while he called from the service of the Nigerian Army to occupy his forefathers stool.
HRM served as the Ohi of Okenwe before his appointment as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland on January 8, 2024.
