Bello Not Prepared To Vacate Govt House, Building ‘Former Governors’ Office’ In Lugard House – Source
By Our Correspondent
An investigation by Summit Post News has revealed that Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State is constructing a new building within the premises of Lugard House, the official residence of the governor.
The construction of the new building has sparked speculation that Governor Bello may be planning to stay on in Lugard House even after he leaves office in January 2024.
However, some sources have suggested that he may be hoping to become the next Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, the traditional ruler of the Ebira people in Kogi State.
Despite the absence Governor Bello name amongst the seven pre-qualified for the throne of Ohinoyi, the source insisted the governor has perfected his plans to succeed Ado Ibrahim.
It would be recalled that the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported on Sunday that the Kogi State Government is set to unveil a new Ohinoyi of Ebiraland out of the 70 contestants who have been screened by a committee. The late Ohinoyi, Ado Ibrahim, died on October 29, 2023, after a protracted illness.
Yunusa Sule, the secretary of the Ebiraland Traditional Council, confirmed this in an interview with NAN. He said that the committee, which is led by the Ohi of Eganyi, Alhaji Isa Musa-Achuja, has selected seven qualified persons from the 70 contestants.
The seven lucky candidates are:
Former Deputy Governor of the state, Philip Salawu
Former Clerk of the National Assembly, Sani Omolori
Yusuf Amuda
Momoh Shaibu
Ibrahim Onuwe Abdulmalik
Ahmad Anaje
Ahmed Jimoh
Mr. Sule said that the governor is appreciative of the work of the kingmakers’ committee and commended them for a job well done. He also said that Governor Bello will unveil a designate for the vacant stool of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland within the week.
“The governor has already held a meeting with the qualified seven aspirants recommended by the Kingmakers committee and from whom one would be appointed to take the stool,” Mr. Sule said.
“The governor had, during the meeting, urged the aspirants to display the spirit of good sportsmanship by supporting whoever is appointed by the government. This is because he believes they are all qualified to occupy that stool, but it is meant for just one person.”
He also cautioned them against making divisive statements or taking actions that could disrupt the peace of the land.
NAN also reports that the number of contestants would have been 71, but the 71st person is a female professor, Angela Oregwu-Okatahi, who is not eligible to contest for the stool according to Ebira tradition.