Allegations False, Says Senator Karimi Amid Egbe Traditional Crisis
By Our Correspondent
Egbe, Kogi State — The Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Steve Sunday Karimi, has dismissed allegations linking him to the arrest of some chiefs in Egbe, describing the claims as false, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation.
In a statement addressing the lingering traditional crisis in the community, the lawmaker said the accusations were made by a faction of chiefs led by Doyin Bolaji, whom he described as lacking the authority to represent the Egbe traditional institution.
Karimi maintained that the group had long been at odds with the leadership of the community, particularly the Elegbe of Egbe, Ayodele Irukera, who also serves as Chairman of the Yagba West Traditional Council.
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According to him, their actions, including alleged insubordination and disregard for constituted authority, led to their ban from the Egbe Traditional Council.
The crisis, he explained, was triggered by disputes surrounding the vacant stool of Oba Ijalu in 2024. He insisted that he neither participated in nor had prior knowledge of the selection process that reportedly produced one Luke Sunday Olokun, which later sparked unrest in the community.
The senator further clarified that the subsequent arrest of some chiefs, who were reportedly taken to Lokoja, was not influenced by him. He said the affected individuals were aware of those responsible but chose to falsely implicate him.
Karimi disclosed that after their release, the chiefs circulated allegations on social media accusing him of masterminding their arrest. He said he responded by instructing his lawyer to demand a retraction.
Efforts to resolve the dispute amicably were made by several stakeholders, including religious leaders led by Rev. Babawarun, community figures, and members of the Okun Development Association.
He also acknowledged the intervention of international development partners involved in local projects.
Despite these interventions, Karimi said the group refused to publicly retract their claims, although they allegedly admitted wrongdoing privately and offered an apology.
This, he noted, compelled him to seek legal redress before later agreeing to withdraw the case in the interest of peace.
According to him, a reconciliation meeting convened with the approval of the Elegbe and facilitated by community leaders provided an opportunity for both parties to address the issues. At the meeting, he reiterated that the allegations against him were unfounded.
He also called on the Kogi State Government to conduct an impartial investigation into the matter, suggesting that police records could easily establish the identity of those responsible for the arrests.
Karimi expressed concern that despite reconciliation efforts, the group had continued what he described as acts of defiance against the traditional authority and had revived the same allegations.
Describing the renewed claims as politically motivated, the senator urged the public to disregard them, insisting that “a dead issue should not be repackaged for political gain.”
Highlighting his contributions to community development, Karimi pointed to the construction of a modern palace in Egbe, which he said was funded through his personal commitment alongside support from other stakeholders.
He described the project as a symbol of unity and progress, noting that the Elegbe formally moved into the residence during Egbe Day celebrations last year.
He also referenced the establishment of a Forward Operating Base in the community as part of efforts to enhance security.
While reaffirming his decision not to return to court, Karimi stressed that he would not remain silent in the face of continued falsehood. He expressed confidence that the truth would ultimately prevail.
“Truth will always prevail over falsehood, no matter how long it takes,” he stated.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, MARCH 21ST 2026)
