Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State is surely on a collision course with one of his state’s topmost monarchs, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, King Ado Ibrahim. This is as a result of the alleged insubordination of the monarch purportedly exhibited recently when President, Mohammadu Buhari visited the state to commission some key projects executed by Governor Bello.

According to our sources, the monarch was said to have blatantly refused to attend the reception for the President as required of top public officers of his status. He has also allegedly boycotted several other state functions in the past. The state government appears to have frowned on this and has subsequently issues a query to Ibrahim and is request to respond in 48 hours failing which disciplinary action would be taken against him.

Below is the text of the query as signed by the Director of the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Enimola Eniola on behalf of the Commissioner of the Ministry, Abdulsalam Deedat.

“It has been observed with serious concern that you have exhibited deliberate attitude and actions capable of bringing Kogi State and Ebira land in particular to grave disrepute. These actions are quite unbecoming of a revered Royal Father of your status.

“Specifically, you were aware through many fora of the glorious visit of Mr. President and Commander-in-Chef of Nigerian Armed Forces, His Excellency, President Muhammad Buhari GCFR to Okene on 29* December, 2022 to commission land mark projects executed by our dear Governor, His Excellency, Alh. Yahaya Bello. In a flagrant disregard to the persons and high offices of the President and the Governor, you bluntly refused to come out and receive the President at the designated venue rightly approved by the Executive Governor of the State.

“It might Interest, you to note that official courtesy demands that when a personality of a President occupying the highest office in the land is visiting or even passing through the State, the Governor and top Public Officers including topmost Traditional Rulers are expected to receive him as a mark of respect fRulersor him and the Office he occupies. It is on record that in time past, Topmost Traditional including the President, Kogi State Council of Chiefs do receive the Governor of the State on his return from critical missions undertaken on behalf of the State. But, you have chosen to disdain the office of the Executive Governor, and this time, you did it with effrontery before the number one citizen of Nigeria

“This action of yours is an act of insubordination and disloyalty to the President and Commander-in-Chief of Nigerian Armed Forces, the Executive Governor of Kogi State and the entire Ebira nation as a whole. It portends grave danger to the Security of the State and laying bad precedence for Traditional Institution of the State.

“In view of the above, I have been directed to request you to forward a written explanation within 48 hours why disciplinary action should not be taken against you for these acts of insubordination and disloyalty. Oral explanations may be required from you when a panel is set up to study your case.

“It is expected that you will accord priority to the content of this letter, Your Royal Majesty.”

Below is a copy of the letter.