Niger State Emirate Council which was supposed to host banished three monarchs in Kogi State has rejected their exile, saying that the monarchs were dethroned for political reasons and advised Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello to settle with them.
Findings conducted by our correspondent in Niger State revealed that the three deposed monarchs were yet to arrive exile in Niger, a week after they were removed from office as traditional rulers.
Monarchs who were dethroned are, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isah Koto, the Ohimege-Igu of Koton-Karfe who is the Chairman, Lokoja/Kogi Local Government Area Traditional Council. He was sent on exile to Rijau Local Government Council of Niger State.
The traditional ruler of Ogori-Magogo, His Royal Highness, Sam Bola Ojoa was deposed and exiled to Salka in Magama Local Government Council of Niger State, which is under Kotangora Emirate.
While the traditional ruler of Ihima, His Royal Highness, Samuel Adayi Onimisi was removed from throne and sent on exile to Lavun in Doko Local Government Council of Niger State under Bida Emirate as well.
Our correspondent who visited the various emirates to confirm arrival of banished Kings on Wednesday discovered that they were yet to arrive their different emirate locations, and further gathered that the Niger State Emirate Council has rejected their exile to Niger.
A source within the palace of Etsu Nupe who craved anonymity confirmed to CAPITAL POST pointedly that there is no place for any of the dethroned monarch in any emirate council in Niger. He claimed that the Etsu Nupe would not subscribe to political mudslinging that led to the removal and exile of the three monarchs to Niger State.
According to him, the Emirate was yet to receive official letter from Kogi State government in respect of the exiled Kings to the State, but said, when such letter comes, the Emirate was ready to reply and make a copy available to journalists.
