Concerned elders of Mopa in Kogi have appealed to the federal and state governments to intervene in the Elulu chiefdom crisis in Mopaland.
The acting chairman of the group, Michael Ajayi, made the appeal at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday.
Winning Team TV gathered that there has been a crisis within the chieftaincy since the death of former chief Elulu Julius Joledo, who died in November 2023.
Ajayi alleged that there was an “illegal” installation of an Elulu by some kingmakers he described as unknown, saying it was an outrage and a violation of an existing court order relating to the chair.
According to him, the Elulu throne is still in dispute and the aggrieved Iloke community is yet to prove its right to the throne before the Koton Karfe High Court.
“He said the appointment of an Elulu by the Mopa Traditional Council was in defiance of the order and order of the High Court, Koton-Karfe, and that the status quo must be maintained,” he said.
Ajayi was the Patia ruling house of the Iloke community who ascended the throne after the other three ruling houses saw their chance.
He named the four ruling houses: Ajerin and Aisan of the Odole community and Ilegemo and Patia of the Iloke community.
According to him, in the traditional Mopa system of governance there are no kingmakers like those found in the western part of the country, adding that any installation of the latter should be ignored.
The president asked the federal and state governments to intervene to end the ongoing dispute over leadership.
He also highlighted that the city and its constituent communities must protect and preserve the long tradition and history of the city of Mopa.
The group administrator, Mr. Reuben Famodile, appealed to those who wish to damage the city’s historical heritage to desist from such acts.
“The traditional rotating installation of the Elulu of Mopaland has been in existence for over 70 years and the celebration of Mopa Day has been practiced for over two centuries.
“Unfortunately, someone is trying to rewrite the history of our country, which is unacceptable.
“The attempt to rewrite the history of Mopaland to suit one individual’s narrative is unprecedented in the city’s history and tradition and we call on the government to intervene,” he said.
While promoting peace and unity in Mopaland, Famodile called for the intervention of stakeholders to bring sanity to the city.
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