Okene Central mosque Chief Imam to be contested

There are turn of events in Kogi Okene as the governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello disclosed on Sunday that the position of Chief Imam of Ebira land should be contested for.

This is a departure from the practice in the last 89 years of the existence of the mosque.
The paramount ruler had been appointing Chief Imams in succession of the dead ones, the death of the former Chief Imam, late Alhaji Musa Galadama last year after a protracted illness has left the Imam tussle spearheaded between the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Ado Bayero and the governor.
The feuding sects, Izala and Tijaniya have engaged each other with the last Friday’s fight being full blown.

Sunday’s meeting at the government house, Lokoja with the leadership of both Islamic groups in Kogi Central at the Government House, Lokoja, was at the instance of the governor.

The governor reasoned that: “For lasting the solution, the position of Chief Imam would be contested.”

He also directed that the present acting Chief Imam, Sheik Salihu Abere, should continue acting till the election is conducted.