The Kogi State Government has announced the reinstatement of His Royal Highness, Boniface Musa, the Onu Ife of Omala and head of Omala Local Government Traditional Council, following a formal appeal to the state government for pardon over infractions by the royal father.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Ozigi Deedat, shortly after the State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Lokoja.
According to the Commissioner, the decision to lift the suspension was based on the traditional ruler’s sincere apology and commitment to uphold the principles guiding traditional leadership in the state.
He noted that unlike some other affected traditional rulers who sought legal redress, the Onu Ife took a reconciliatory approach, which the government considered a positive step towards fostering peace and harmony.
In a related development, the Kogi state government has approved the establishment of a distinct traditional leadership for the Bagana community in response to persistent unrest and communal tensions stemming from disputes between two rival traditional authorities in the area.
The State Government has also approved the creation of the traditional stools of Ohiekura Of Osara and Ohireba Anebira of Lokoja while the title of Ohi of Eganyi is now to be known and addressed henceforth as OHI OF AJAOKUTA and Chairman Ajaokuta Local Government Traditional Council.
Barrister Deedat reiterated the government’s earlier directive to traditional rulers against engaging in partisan politics, emphasizing that such involvement undermines their neutrality and ability to maintain law and order in their domains.
He noted that violations of this directive had led to the suspension of several traditional leaders.
He stressed that the government’s actions are not intended to intimidate traditional institutions but to ensure accountability, transparency, and respect for the rule of law.
