By Thankgod Blessing
Elders from the Kuteb Ethnic group in Taraba State have voiced their concerns regarding the proposed rotational arrangement for the First Class Traditional Stool of Takum Local Government, initiated by the state government.
This apprehension arose following an announcement made on Monday by the State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government, Traditional, and Chieftaincy Affairs regarding a public hearing on an executive bill aimed at establishing one rotational 1st Class Chief and three 3rd class Chiefs in Takum town.
The 1st Class Traditional Stool of Takum has remained unoccupied since 1996, amidst ongoing disputes among rival ethnic factions claiming ownership. Previous attempts by successive governments to mediate and resolve this chieftaincy dispute have proven unsuccessful.
In a statement issued by Ande Filli on Tuesday, the Kuteb elders expressed their dismay, fearing that the rotation of the 1st class stool would marginalize their ethnic group in favor of other minority tribes within the area.
Their statement highlighted concerns regarding the bill’s intention to eliminate the title of the paramount ruler of Takum, ‘Ukwe Takum,’ from the Kuteb language, and substitute it with ‘Kuru Takum’ from the Jukun language.
The elders argued that such a move, which seeks to introduce rotation of the first class stool among tribes with distinct customs and traditions, goes against principles of natural justice and morality.
They emphasized that the implementation of this bill would not only disrupt the Kuteb traditional dynasty but also diminish the significance of the first class stool of Kuteb, subjecting their people to the leadership of minority tribes lacking historical precedence in ruling Takum.
In their appeal, the elders called upon various stakeholders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defense Staff, Inspector General of Police, Directors General of DSS and NIA, traditional rulers such as the Sultan of Sokoto and Ooni of Ife, Aku-Uka, Taraba traditional council, and individuals of good conscience, to intervene.
They urged Governor Kefas and the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly to refrain from advancing this proposal, withdraw the bill, address Takum’s boundary issues, and officially hand over the staff of office to Ukwe Takum.
