From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Iwomasi ruling House of Oworo Kingdom in Lokoja Local Government of Kogi has petitioned the state House of Assembly to dethrone the current Olu of Oworo, Mohammed Baiyerohi over alleged desecration of stool.
A member, representing Lokoja I state Constituency, Alhaji Idris Ndako who presented the petition at the plenary on Friday in Lokoja said that the call had become imperative to avert a looming “Large scale crisis.”
Ndako based the call on the ground of Baiyerohi’s alleged desecration of the customs and traditions of the Oworo Kingdom by deserting and abandoning the stool.
The traditional rulers was also accused of causing disaffection and disharmony amongst communities and people of Oworo Kingdom.
“It is the custom and tradition of Oworo Kingdom that every Olu of Oworo must reside in Agbaja and reign from Agbaja but Muhammad Baiyerohi has flagrantly desecrated this revered custom and tradition and refused to reside in Agbaja since his enthronement”, Ndako alleged.
He pointed out that the Olus of Oworo kingdom who had reigned from 1855 to 2002 (over147 years), resided in Agbaja adding that the regents who served from 2002 to 2010, also reigned from Agbaja.
He disclosed that the monarch had been residing in Lokongoma in Lokoja town under the domain of the Maigari of Lokoja and had only been drawing monthly salaries and allowances without performing the leadership functions entrusted on him.
“Such act is abominable in the face of the customs and traditions of Oworo Kingdom and the consequences of such desecration of the custom of Oworo Kingdom by the Olus are dethronement and banishment”.
“Right Honourable Speaker and distinguished members sirs, we call on you all to cause decisive disciplinary actions to be taken in accordance with the provisions of section 13(1) of the Chiefs (Appointment, Deposition and Establishment of Traditional Councils in Kogi State) Law, 2006”, he implored.
The House Speaker, Prince Matthew Kolawole, however, referred the petition to the House Standing Committee on petitions to verify the claims and report back in three weeks.
