The former Maigari of Lokoja passed away on September 28, 2022, according to iGONG.
The Forum expressed its opinions in a statement that was jointly signed by its secretary and chairman, Alhaji Ali Danlami Ibrahim and Alhaji Idris Babaango.
In accordance with the current rules governing the nomination and appointment of a new Maigari, the Lokoja Traditional Council completed the process for the appointment of a new monarch, but the government has yet to take any action, according to the statement.
The statement included the following phrases: "This development is quite unusual to the Lokoja people's culture.
The town of Lokoja has a custom and culture that forbids vacuuming, and this is the first time in its history.
"It is not in the best interest of Lokoja and her residents, Kogi State, and Nigeria as a whole for the Throne to continue to be vacant.
"Lokoja should be given its rightful privileges by having a traditional ruler sanctioned for it without further delay by Your Excellency Sir, aside from being the capital of Kogi State and an ancient town that once served as the capital of the defunct Northern Protectorate until the amalgamation of 1914.
"Sir, after the passing of the late Maigari, Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, and her natives have been like a flock without a Shepherd. We are pleading with you to take the necessary action by approving a new Maigari for us.
We are particularly concerned, Your Excellency, by the fact that Lokoja is the only significant city in the state and the only state capital in all of Northern Nigeria without a traditional ruler.
"The town and its natives are already suffering detrimental impacts from Maigari of Lokoja's absence in terms of their social and economic well-being.Without a roof, we are comparable to a home. For almost a year now, we have had no one to lead us in Islamic and traditional practices. Our tradition and culture find this odd.
"We have never encountered this kind of circumstance. This is the first time the town will go an entire year without a leader or head. We Lokoja Forum of Patriots members are disappointed and saddened by the Kogi State government's decision not to authorize a new Maigari for Lokoja.
The group claims that the change has forced the locals to postpone the Lokoja Nupe Carnival/Festival and the yearly Lokoja Boat Regatta Festival.
"We don't think there should be a party because the Kogi State government's actions and inaction have left the Maigari throne vacant.
"These are age-old traditional festivals that are observed each year to highlight the rich culture and traditional way of life of the Lokoja people, who have also long been a popular tourist destination.
"Revenue loss for the state government and business owners, especially hotels, cab operators, and other petty traders," the statement continued. "The postponement of the festivals occasioned by the non approval of a new Maigari for Lokoja will amount to revenue loss for the state government and business owners."
