Maryam Aminu
In a bid to douse rising concerns, the Palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebira Kingdom has clarified that the recent turbaning of Fulani leaders across the five Local Government Areas of Ebiraland is strictly a peace and security measure, not a concession of land or cultural heritage.
In a statement signed by the Director of Protocol to His Royal Majesty, Musa Usman, the Palace acknowledged the concerns expressed by Ebira indigenes, describing them as genuine and rooted in love for the preservation of identity and safety.
The statement explained that the turbaning, endorsed by His Royal Majesty, Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, in consultation with government and security agencies, is designed to provide the Fulani community with a visible leadership structure directly accountable to the Palace and security operatives.
According to the Palace, the initiative pursues three key objectives: ensuring responsibility and accountability among Fulani leaders, deepening security collaboration with authorities, and binding commitments through a Memorandum of Understanding that clearly defines obligations and consequences for violations.
At the ceremony, the National President of Fulani Leaders in Nigeria,Bello Bodejo, hailed the move as unprecedented and pledged that the community would guarantee peace, assuring farmers and residents of Ebiraland of safety on their farmlands.
The Accountant General of Kogi State, Chief (Dr.) Habibat Oyiza Tijani-Onumoko, who represented the Governor, described the step as bold and visionary, while pledging the support of the State Government for the monarch’s peacebuilding efforts.
Reiterating that the initiative does not compromise Ebira land or heritage, the Palace maintained that it is a strategy to protect livelihoods, restore security, and consolidate peaceful coexistence. It further urged all stakeholders to remain supportive, vigilant, and united in safeguarding the collective interest of Ebiraland.
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