The Kogi State High Court has issued a stay of execution on its earlier judgment that removed Ahmed-Anaje as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
Justice Umar Salisu granted the order on Thursday following an application filed by the Kogi State Attorney General, Muiz Abdullahi (SAN), and the embattled monarch.
The request was made in light of an appeal already filed at the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal challenging the ruling.
Ahmed-Anaje was initially removed as the Ohinoyi in a case brought against his appointment by Daudu Adeku-Ojiah, Hussain Yusuf, and Abdulrahaam Suberu, who contested his selection by former Governor Yahaya Bello.
During the court session, Abdullahi urged the court to suspend the enforcement of the February 3 judgment in Suit No. HCO/05C/2024 until the appeal is determined. He further requested the court to issue any necessary orders in the interest of justice.
Counsel to the claimants, Sani Abbas, did not oppose the application.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Salisu granted the request, stating, “Given the circumstances, the application is hereby approved. The status quo shall be maintained until the Court of Appeal delivers its decision.”
He emphasized that there were still unresolved legal issues related to Suit No. HCO/12C/2006 and that all related matters should be preserved until a final determination is reached either by the High Court or the appellate court.
In its appeal, the Kogi State Government urged the appellate court to overturn the lower court’s ruling and dismiss the suit brought by the first to third respondents, arguing that it lacked merit.
The appellants further contended that the trial judge had erred by relying on an interlocutory ruling from Suit No. HCO/12C/2006, which pertained to the nomination and appointment of traditional chiefs across five districts—Okengwe/Okene, Eia, Ihima, Adavi, and Eganyi.
They argued that the decision was flawed as it was heavily based on Exhibit P.O 4, which had been submitted in response to a preliminary objection raised by the first to third respondents.