Gov. Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa state, on Thursday approved the appointment of Alhaji Mohammed Azaki as the “Ohinoyi Ogye” of Ogye Chiefdom in Toto Local Government area of the state.

Mr Aliyu Tijani, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, disclosed this at a news conference in Lafia.

He said that the approval of the Second Class chief followed his selection by the kingmakers in the area.

Tijani explained that the area had been without a traditional ruler since the death of the Sarkin Toto, Mamuda Dangana, 14 years ago.

He attributed it to the prolonged dispute and litigation over the genuineness of the various ruling houses.

The commissioner said the present state administration intervened in the matter by engaging all stakeholders in dialogue.

According to him, part of the resolution was the redefining of the title and creation of Ogye chiefdom.

“To this end, an executive bill was sent to the state assembly and was passed early this month.

“After the bill was passed, a panel to oversee the selection of the Ohinoyi Ogye by the kingmakers in accordance with guiding laws of the state, was inaugurated.”

He said three of the seven kingmakers had died, leaving the four alive to select the new traditional ruler having invoked the doctrine of necessity.

He said Alhaji Azaki holds a Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Abuja.