A group of concerned senior citizens from Mopa, Kogi State, has condemned the actions of Chief Muyiwa Ibeun, who was recently paraded himself as the Elulu of Mopa . The group alleges that Chief Ibeun’s unsolicited tour of villages in the Mopamuro local government area, under the title of Elulu of Mopa, is fraudulent and an act of impersonation.
According to the group, Chief Ibeun’s actions are in disregard of the principle of maintaining the status quo while a case is pending in court. The group cited several court judgments, including Ojukwu v. Military Administrator, Lagos State (1986) and GTB v. Garba (2015), which emphasize the importance of preserving the positions that existed before the pending controversy.
The group saying, “Status quo presupposes the existence of an actual peaceable position of things preceding the pending controversy as distinguished from a Status quo affected by the wrongdoer before the institution of the Suit”.
“It is against this background that the Concerned Mopa Senior Citizens view and condemn the unsolicited tour of Chief Muyiwa Ibeun of villages in the Mopamuro local government area of Kogi State”.
“Granting the fact that the constitution guarantees every citizen the right of freedom of movement, the Mopa Concerned Senior Citizens frown against the unsolicited tour, particularly doing so in a borrowed robe under title of the Elulu of Mopa”, the statement read.
The group also expressed concern over reports that Chief Ibeun plans to demolish several buildings, including the post office, old palace, high court, shops, and houses, to make way for a new palace. They described this plan as a “big lie” and questioned the government’s involvement in constructing palaces for kings in Nigeria, particularly for an impostor whose case is pending in court.
“The above is the news ranging in Mopa that the post office building, the old palace building, the high court, shops and houses within the vicinity are to be demolished to pave way for a #500m phantom palace being planned by you”
“The question is what becomes the fate of the uncompleted palace?”, the group queried.
The controversy surrounding Chief Ibeun’s actions has raised concerns about the respect for the rule of law and the judiciary in Kogi State in which the group in a strong term condemned it and advised Chief Ibeun to be a good example in the community.
Finally, the group advised Chief Ibeun to halt his actions, which they believe are a blatant affront and disrespect to the Kogi State judiciary. They urged him to allow the rule of law to take its course and to await the outcome of the litigation.
“All your acts of illegalities are tantamount to a blatant affront and disrespect to the Kogi state judiciary. We strongly advise that you put a halt to the further ridicule of the judiciary and allow the rule of law to take its course “, the statement concludes.
