By Dada Ahmed in Okene.
The Ohinoyi of Egbiraland, Dr. Ahmed Tijani Mohammed Anaje, has vowed to reform and modernize the Ohinoyi Stool in line with contemporary realities, while safeguarding the cultural heritage of his people.
Dr. Anaje made this known on Friday when he received members of the Kogi Central Think Tank Forum (KCTTF) on a courtesy visit to his palace in Okene.
The monarch disclosed plans to establish a committee of eminent sons and daughters of Egbiraland,people with enviable records in public and private life, and free of clannish or religious bias,to drive the process of reform.
According to him, the current practice where every Ebira aspires to the stool of Ohinoyi upon its vacancy is unsustainable and could eventually expose the throne to undue influence from other ethnic nationalities.
“Not everybody in Egbiraland is entitled to the stool of Ohinoyi. If the present trend continues, the time may come when people are not qualified to throne of Ohinoyi, leveraging wealth and influence, will seek to occupy the throne. The selection must follow established norms to ensure peace,” he said.
Dr. Anaje added that his council intends to establish an Ohinoyi Council that will set clear procedures for succession and strengthen traditional governance for peace and development.
Addressing insinuations about accessibility, the royal father clarified that his palace remains open to all who follow laid-down protocol, stressing that he remains father to all.
He highlighted his support for youths by facilitating public service employment for at least 50 youths of Egbira extraction since his ascension to the throne, alongside other peace-building efforts.
The Ohinoyi also urged Egbira sons and daughters to uphold cultural pride in their dress, speech, and interactions, noting that Egbiraland ranks seventh among over 300 tribes and eighth among the ten oldest tribes in Nigeria, according to 2024 records.
On land disputes involving Fulani settlers, Dr. Anaje described the issue as one inherited but assured that peaceful solutions were being pursued.
He revealed that his council would appoint leaders among the Fulani community to help identify and curb encroachment, in partnership with the state government.
Earlier, KCTTF Chairman, Dr. Haroun Opotu Yussuff, praised the Ohinoyi’s leadership,described him as “a royal father of destiny” and announced him as the “Grandfather of KCTTF.”
He also extended condolences to the monarch over the recent passing of Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani Ododo, father of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Other members, including Elder Moses Ovurevu Onivehu, lauded the Ohinoyi’s leadership and suggested the establishment of a permanent centre for dialogue on pressing issues such as land disputes.
Dr. Anaje concluded by urging his subjects to join him “challenge wrongs, fix what is broken, and preserve the dignity of Egbiraland for generations to come.”
