Yahaya Bello, the governor of Kogi State, has come under fire from the Lokoja Forum of Patriots for neglecting to appoint a new Maigairi of Lokoja within a year after the passing of Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammadu Kabir III, the late monarch of the state capital.
According to ProbitasNews, the previous Maigari of Lokoja passed away on September 28, 2022.
The Forum expressed their sentiments in a statement that was signed by Alhaji Ali Danlami Ibrahim, the secretary, and Alhaji Idris Babaango, the chairman.
The statement clarified that the government has not yet taken any action on the topic, even though the Lokoja Traditional Council completed the procedure for the appointment of a new monarch in accordance with the current regulations guiding the nomination and appointment of a new Maigari.
The statement contained the following passage: “This development is very strange to the people of Lokoja.”
For the first time in the town’s history, a vacuum is being created, which goes against the customs and traditions of Lokoja.
“It is not in the best interests of Kogi State, Nigeria overall, Lokoja and her natives, for the Throne to stay empty.
In addition to being the capital of Kogi State and an old town that was the seat of the former Northern Protectorate until its union in 1914, Lokoja ought to be given its proper recognition by having a traditional ruler appointed to lead it without delay, as decreed by Your Excellency Sir.
Since the late Maigari’s transition, Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, and her indigenous population have been like a flock without a shepherd. Therefore, we are pleading with you to take the necessary action and approve a new Maigari for us.
We are especially concerned, Your Excellency, since Lokoja is the only state capital and significant town in all of Northern Nigeria that does not have a traditional ruler.
“The town’s and its indigenous people’s social and economic well-being is already suffering from Maigari of Lokoja’s absence.We are comparable to a home without a roof. We haven’t had a traditional or Islamic guide for about a year. Our customs and culture find this peculiar.
We have never encountered a circumstance like this. This will be the first time the municipality has gone a full year without a head of state or leader. The failure of the Kogi State administration to approve a new Maigari for Lokoja makes us members of the Lokoja Forum of Patriots unhappy and depressed.
As per the group’s statement, the Lokoja Boat Regatta Festival and the Lokoja Nupe Carnival/Festival have been postponed by the indigenous people due to the development.
“We think there’s no reason to rejoice as long as the Kogi State government’s actions and inaction keep the Maigari throne unoccupied.
“These are long-standing customs that are observed annually to highlight the rich cultural heritage and customs of the Lokoja people, who have also long been a popular tourist destination.
The statement went on, “The state government and business owners, especially hotels, cab operators, and other petty traders, will amount to revenue loss from the postponement of the festivals occasioned by the non-approval of a new Maigari for Lokoja.”
