Ohimegye Igu Koton-Karfe resolves land dispute between Bassa Kwomu and Gbagyi communities in Kogi LG (Watch Video)
….As Barr. Tanko, Hon. Moh’d Asio, others praise Ohimegye’s peaceful approach to out-of-court settlement
By Yahaya Idris, Kogi
His Royal Majesty, Alhaji (Doctor) Saidu Akawu Salihu, the Ohimegye Igu Koton-Karfe, has been actively involved in efforts to resolve the ongoing land dispute between the Bassa Kwomu and Gbagyi communities in Ose-dumi, Kogi Local Government Area. He has emphasized peace, unity, and dialogue to address communal conflicts in the Kingdom.
His leadership is recognized and affirmed by his subjects as King to reckon with, and he continues to advocate for collaboration between communities and governments to ensure lasting peace
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In a statement released by Yahaya Idris, Media Assistant to Barr. Muhammed Tanko Musa Osuku, Chairman of Kogi State Civil Service Commission, on Friday, May 16, 2025, it was revealed that a land dispute has been ongoing between the Bassa Kwomu and Gbagyi communities in Kogi LG, culminating in a court suit.
It would be recall that the Bassa sued Daniel Yakwo Family headed by Chief of Lagbetta named Haggai Kaka for given out part of their land earlier given to them by Ohimegye Igu to Oilserv Company Limited
The Bassas had also claimed a very wide claim of land to FCT, Nasarawa State and Niger State. By implications the Bassas have unknowingly sued Ohimegye Igu and not the Gbagyis.
However, due to the timely intervention of Ohimegye Igu Koton-Karfe Kingdom, the Bassa Kwomu community has agreed to accept Ohimegye’s judgement, thereby withdrawing the case from court.
The Ohimegye Igu Koton-Karfe Kingdom, under the leadership of His Royal Majesty Alhaji Saidu Akawu Salihu, who is recognized as a man of peace and chairman of the Lokoja and Koton-Karfe Traditional Council, has summoned the Bassa Kwomu community for an out-of-court settlement to resolve their land dispute.
Ohimegye move reflects his commitment to peaceful resolution and dialogue rather than litigation or conflict, aiming to foster harmony and lasting peace between the communities involved.
The first class monarch has equally emphasized unity, peace, and development within the Igu Kingdom, prioritizing collaboration and empowerment of local communities, including agrarian, fishing groups
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While there have been calls for peace from stakeholders and traditional rulers in Kogi LG to avoid violent clash and lost of lives, the Ohimegye has been a key figure advocating for peaceful coexistence and dialogue.
“Thus, the Ohimegye Igu Koton-Karfe is playing a significant role in mediating and promoting peace to finally resolve the land dispute between the Bassa Kwomu and Gbagy communities in Kogi LG.”
On his part, the legal luminary and executive chairman of Kogi State Civil Service Commission, Barrister Muhammed Tanko Musa Osuku stated that for the Bassa to have approached the court without the consent of the land owner, the Ohimegye Igu Koton-Karfe Kingdom, it implies they are contesting land ownership and not with Gbagy, since the land does not belong to either of them.
Barr. Tanko proposes that, considering the Aguma Bassa’s apology for being misled during the peace meeting at Ohimegye’s place, it would be advisable for him to withdraw the case and submit the court withdrawal evidence to Ohimegye, ensuring the preservation of the trust they have placed in them.
The legal expert spoke extensively, revealing towns and villages sharing boundaries with Kogi LG, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, and Nasarawa State.
According to the former Kogi LGC Chairman, neither Bassa nor Gbagy can assert ownership of land within the Igu Koton-Karfe Kingdom, as Ohimegye allocated land to all tenants, including Bassa, Gbagy, Ganagana, Nupe, Hausa-Fulani, and others.
Reacting to the peaceful resolution by Ohimegye Igu Koton-Karfe Kingdom, Hon. Mohammed Shuaibu Asio, Special Adviser to Kogi State Governor on Emergency, praised the leadership’s crucial role in bridging divides and promoting sustainable peace and development.
The Special Adviser noted that peace is essential for development, advising the Bassa Kwomu people to always seek Ohimegye’s advice before acting to maintain the existing peace.
Earlier, the Aguma Bassa Kwomu of Ose-dumi publicly apologized to His Royal Majesty Ohimegye Igu Koton-Karfe Kingdom, HRM Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu, for not obtaining his approval and blessing prior to seeking legal recourse.
The Aguma acknowledged Ohimegye as a father figure, whose words and judgment are final.
The Aguma also expressed his intention to withdraw the court case to sustain the existing peace between the Egbiras and Bassas in Igu Koton-Karfe Kingdom.
The gathering was attended by prominent personalities, including Hon. Mohammed Asio, Special Adviser on Emergency to the Kogi State Governor, Ohinoyi Okoro of Ginrinya, Chiefs from Ohimegye Palace,, youths, and a Bassa Kwomu delegation amongst others
