Kogi State Ministry of Justice, Lokoja has advised against enforcing alleged de-beading of Alhaji Akwu Obaje as Ogohi-Attah Ejule by the Igala Area traditional council.
In a letter titled, “Re-Complaint of de-beading and move to forcibly remove the Ogohi Ejule from Ofu traditional council,” the ministry noted: “the content of the letter from the Igala Area Traditional Council does not indicate that Alhaji Akwu A, Obaje has ever being invited nor was he given a letter to explain the allegation stated therein in the said letter before the purported withdrawal of his title.”
The letter from the Justice Ministry signed by J.O Idoko, Esq, (Director) for Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice was dated 15 April 2015 and addressed to the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, with reference number MO/OFF/210/T/15.
It noted that the alleged de-beading of the title holder was an infringement of his constitutional right to fair hearing.
“We are of the opinion that the action of the Igala Area Traditional Council violates the fundamental provision of the Nigerian Federal Constitution on the right to fair hearing,” it further explained.
The letter went further to advise that, “unless the said letter of de-beading is withdrawn forthwith, Alhaji Akwu A, Obaje will be victorious if he takes step to present the matter before a court of law.”
Meanwhile, in its letter address to the Chairman Igala Area Traditional Council, dated 8 July 2015, reference MLGCA/CHI/S/13/T/33, the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and chieftaincy Affairs advised that the legal advice be implemented.
It said, “the Ministry of Justice, in their legal opinion, considered the action of the Igala Area Traditional Council as a violation of the fundamental provisions of the Nigerian Constitution on the right to fair hearing, and advise that the said letter be withdrawn forthwith.”
It would be recalled that the Igala Area Traditional Council had informed the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs of the de-beading of Alhaji Akwu A, Obaje as Ogohi-Attah, Ejule in a letter dated ITC/846/VOL.I/53, dated 27 September 2013.
The aggrieved, Alhaji Akwu A. Obaje was nominated by Ofu Local Government traditional Council to be member of Ofu Local Government Traditional Council, to which approval was given by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs on 5 April 2012.
Source: The Graphic
