The Chamba Renaissance Group, on Thursday, denounced the media assaults launched by various Kuteb groups against the Chamba tribe concerning the traditional stool of Takum.
Asserting the Chamba tribe’s rightful claim to the rulership of Takum Town, the group, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Nyatooh Bibonga, emphasized that historical records favour the Chamba tribe regarding the chieftaincy of Takum Town.
As a collective of self-employed professionals of Chamba descent, spanning across southern Taraba and other parts of the state, the group asserted that the history, culture, and traditions of Takum bear the indelible marks and contributions of the Chambas.
They stressed that any narrative about the town would be incomplete without acknowledging the role of the Chambas.
Highlighting historical precedent, the group noted that both Chambas and Kutebs have historically taken turns in ruling the town.
The group clarified that the deposition of the last Chamba ruler in 1914 did not imply the exclusion of Chambas from future rulership.
They emphasized that with time, the Chambas retain the right to aspire to and be considered for the rulership of Takum.
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Bibonga further expressed concern over the Kuteb groups’ resorting to attacking and distorting Chamba history, traditional rulers, customs, and personalities.
He criticized the Kutebs for their disrespectful behaviour towards revered figures such as the Aku Uka of Wukari and the Jukun tradition council, as well as the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, and the Taraba State House of Assembly.
The Chamba Group highlighted the Kutebs’ threats of war against the Chamba and anyone not supporting their cause.
The group who also singled out Lt. General TY Danjuma (rtd), blamed him for what they perceive as an attempt by the State government to strip them of their exclusive right to the Takum traditional stool.
In a swift reaction, the Kuteb Yatso of Nigeria, through its President, Emmanuel Ukwen, who said the stool is the exclusive right of Kuteb, accused the state government of perpetrating injustice against its people.
They also emphasized the constitutional and legal violations inherent in targeting an ethnic community to erode their cultural and traditional heritage within their territory.
