In a significant development, the Kogi State Executive Council, led by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, has approved the lifting of the suspension of His Royal Highness Boniface Musa, Chairman of the Omala Local Government Traditional Council. The suspension was earlier imposed due to allegations of misconduct.
This decision marks a new chapter for the traditional ruler, who has demonstrated remorse for his actions. The Council’s approval of his pardon is a show of the administration’s commitment to reconciliation and unity.
It’s worth noting that His Royal Highness Boniface Musa was previously deposed as the Chairman of the Omala Local Government Traditional Council during the administration of former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello. The deposition was reportedly due to partisan politics, with the former governor’s administration alleging that Musa was involved in active politics, which was seen as incompatible with his role as a traditional ruler.
Briefing the Newsmen After the Council meeting, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. (Barr) Salami Deedat Ozigi, highlighted the significance of the Council’s decision. He noted that the pardon was a reflection of the administration’s commitment to unity and development.
In his words, “a directive was issued by the Kogi State Executive Council for all Traditional Rulers to abstain completely from partisan politics, to refrain from all forms of influence that have the potential to drag them into the political arena . This is to enable them to have more attention to maintain law and order in their domain unfortunately, some Traditional Rulers in Kogi State faulted these directives and some of them descended into the political arena and involved in partisan politics thereby creating acrimony in their domains. Some Traditional Rulers were suspended and some were removed. However, we discovered a particular Traditional Ruler Expressed regret, remorsefulness , apologized and promised that he will not repeat the same action.
Today, this afternoon the Kogi State Executive Council has lifted the suspension ”
With this pardon, His Royal Highness Boniface Musa can now resume his duties as the Chairman of the Omala Local Government Traditional Council. The development is seen as a positive step towards healing and reconciliation in the community.
The Executive Council finally announced the approval of two sub Traditional heads in the Bagana area of Omala Local Government due to the evacuation of the initial two traditional rulers that plunged Bagana into the devastated crisis.