One year after the passing of the late Alhaji (Dr)Muhammadu Kabir III, the monarch of the state capital, the Lokoja Forum of Patriots has criticised Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello for his refusal to name a new Maigairi of Lokoja.
The deceased former Maigari of Lokoja was reported to have passed away on September 28, 2022, by OBASANJO NEWS24.
In a statement that was jointly signed by its secretary and chairman, respectively, Alhaji Ali Danlami Ibrahim and Idris Babaango, the Forum expressed its opinions.
In accordance with the current regulations governing the nomination and appointment of a new Maigari, the Lokoja Traditional Council completed the process for the appointment of a new monarch, according to the statement, but the government has yet to take any action.
This development is extremely foreign to the Lokoja people’s culture, certain passages of the declaration read.
This is a first in the history of the town because Lokoja tradition and culture forbid vacuuming.
“The continuation of the Throne’s vacancy is not in the best interests of Lokoja and her residents, Kogi State, or Nigeria as a whole.
A traditional ruler for Lokoja should be appointed without further delay by Your Excellency Sir, in addition to the fact that it is the capital of Kogi State and an ancient town that once served as the capital of the former Northern Protectorate until the amalgamation in 1914.
“Sir, since the late Maigari’s departure, Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, and its residents have been like a flock without a Shepherd. We are pleading with you to act accordingly by approving a new Maigari for us.
We are especially concerned, Your Excellency, about Lokoja being the only significant city and the sole state capital in the entirety of Northern Nigeria without a traditional ruler.
The social and economic well-being of the town and its residents has already suffered because Maigari of Lokoja is no longer there.Without a rooftop, we resemble a home. For almost a year, we have had no one to lead us in Islamic and traditional practises. To our customs and culture, this is unusual.
“This is a circumstance we have never encountered before. The town will be without a leader and head for a full year for the first time ever. The Kogi State government’s decision not to sanction a new Maigari for Lokoja has left the members of the Lokoja Forum of Patriots unhappy and depressed.
The annual Lokoja Boat Regatta Festival and the Lokoja Nupe Carnival/Festival have had to be postponed, the organisation claims, as a result of the development.
The Maigari throne is still vacant as a result of the Kogi State government’s actions and delay, and we don’t think there should be any reason to celebrate.
“These are age-old traditional festivals that are observed each year to highlight the rich culture and traditional way of life of the people of Lokoja, and its residents have also been serving as tourist attractions for a long time.
The statement continued, “Revenue loss for the state government and business owners, mainly hotels, cab operators and other minor traders, will result from the postponement of the festivals precipitated by the non approval of a new Maigari for Lokoja.
