11/10/2025
REJOINDER TO A MISCHIEVOUS PUBLICATION CIRCULATING ON SOCIAL MEDIA AGAINST THE OHINOYI OF EBIRA KINGDOM
Date: Saturday, 11th October, 2025
My attention has been drawn to a mischievous and misleading publication currently circulating on social media, aimed at distorting facts and maligning the person and integrity of His Royal Majesty, Alh. (Dr.) Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, the Ohinoyi of Ebira.
Ordinarily, such baseless fabrications should be ignored. However, for the sake of truth, history, and the unsuspecting public, it has become necessary to clarify the issues raised and set the records straight.
1. On the Visit of Former President Muhammadu Buhari
It is important to state clearly that during the official visit of former President Muhammadu Buhari to Ebiraland, the late Ohinoyi of Ebira, Alh. (Dr.) Ado Ibrahim, was unavoidably absent, the reason for his absence, however, is a story for another day.
In accordance with standard national protocol, the President’s advance team directed that the next most senior traditional ruler present should receive the President on behalf of the Ebira Area Traditional Council.
At that time, the then Ohi of Okengwe (now the Ohinoyi of Ebira) was the Vice Chairman of the Ebira Area Traditional Council and therefore next in line to the late Ohinoyi. He was accordingly called upon, impromptu, to perform that duty.
His action on that day was purely guided by respect for constituted authority and a deep sense of responsibility to the Ebira people. It was neither prearranged nor did it amount to any form of disrespect to the revered stool of the late monarch. In truth, it was a patriotic act that saved Ebiraland and Kogi State from national embarrassment.
2. On His Majesty’s Relationship with the Late Ohinoyi
Despite the obvious differences that existed between the late Ohinoyi and the Ohi institution, His Royal Majesty, Alh. (Dr.) Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, consistently demonstrated humility and reverence toward the late monarch.
He personally visited the late Ohinoyi’s palace to pay homage, even when some of his fellow traditional rulers frowned at such gesture. On one remarkable occasion, when traditional rulers in the state were invited to a state function, the late Ohinoyi could not attend. When the allowance meant for the Chairman of the Ebira Area Traditional Council was to be collected, the present Ohinoyi signed on his behalf and personally delivered the money to him, despite advice from others that the money, which was in millions, should be shared among themselves. He insisted that the money was not meant for him or the other traditional rulers from the Central Senatorial District, even though he was the Vice Chairman.
These noble acts of respect and integrity reflect his character as a man of honour — guided by moral and religious values.
3. On His Appointment as Ohinoyi of Ebira
The false claim being circulated that the present Ohinoyi was imposed on the people is both dishonest and mischievous. His appointment followed due process — both traditional and administrative, in strict accordance with the Chieftaincy Laws of Kogi State and the customs of Ebiraland.
A list of qualified nominees was duly forwarded to the Kogi State Government having been screened and cleared by the Ebira Kingmakers, and His Excellency, Alh. Yahaya Bello, CON, the then Governor of Kogi State, approved the appointment in the same lawful manner as that of other first-class traditional rulers, such as the Atta of Igala, Obaro of Kabba, Maigari of Lokoja, and Ohimege Igu of Koton Karfe.
Those spreading these false narratives know the truth but have chosen to twist it out of personal hatred and disappointment that their preferred candidate did not emerge as Ohinoyi.
Even more worrisome is that among these critics are individuals who claim to be religious, yet they ignore the divine reality that kingship is bestowed only by Almighty Allah upon whom He wishes. They appear to believe that only certain clans or classes of people are qualified to rule. Such thinking contradicts the teachings of Islam and offends common sense.
Whether anyone likes it or not, His Royal Majesty, Alh. (Dr.) Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, is today the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, and that is by the decree of the Almighty, not the design of man.
4. On His Majesty’s Character and Conduct
His Royal Majesty, Alh. (Dr.) Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, is a renowned Islamic scholar, a disciplined leader, and a devout Muslim known for his humility, wisdom, and moral uprightness.
Since ascending the throne, he has restored peace, dignity, and moral order to the palace and to the traditional institution of Ebiraland. His leadership is marked by wisdom, patience, and fairness — qualities evident to all who know him.
It is, therefore, unfortunate that certain individuals have allowed envy and tribal sentiment to overshadow the truth.
Conclusion
The stool of the Ohinoyi of Ebira is a sacred heritage — a symbol of unity, wisdom, and honour, not a subject for cheap propaganda or divisive narratives. His Royal Majesty’s emergence was by the will of Almighty Allah, who alone gives power and authority to whom He wills.
No amount of bitterness or blackmail can alter that divine decree. The good people of Ebiraland and the general public must, therefore, disregard these misleading publications and continue to support His Majesty in his ongoing efforts to promote peace, moral discipline, and unity across our land.
May Almighty Allah continue to bless and guide our Ohinoyi with wisdom, long life, and sound health to lead Ebiraland in peace and prosperity.
God bless His Royal Majesty.
God bless Ebiraland.
God bless Kogi State.
Signed:
Musa Usman
Director of Protocol to
The Ohinoyi of Ebira.
