Amidst escalating tensions in Takum local government council over the Ukwe Takum traditional stool, security chiefs in Taraba state and Nigeria are being called upon to advise Governor Agbu Kefas against actions that could potentially instigate violence.
The Kuteb Yatso of Nigeria (KYN) has expressed concerns, urging security agencies to focus on addressing the rampant kidnapping and banditry issues in the state rather than allowing the governor to impose a non-Kuteb person on the Ukwe Takum traditional stool.
In a press briefing held yesterday in Jalingo, the group emphasized the need to prevent further crises in Takum, which according to them, has witnessed the loss of innocent lives over the years.
They urged Governor Kefas to be called to order and cautioned against alleged plans to “destroy the Kuteb Ukwe Dynasty.”
According to the KYN, the Ukwe Takum Stool is an exclusive preserve of the Kuteb ruling houses, and any attempts to disrupt this tradition would be met with resistance.
The group, led by National President Emmanuel Ukwen, voiced concerns over the governor’s alleged intentions to honour retired General Theophilus Danjuma with the Ukwe Takum Stool.
They argued that traditional stools are distinct from titles and should not be bestowed upon individuals outside the royal families.
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The KYN stressed that General T.Y. Danjuma could be honoured with a traditional title but not an existing Chieftaincy Stool.
Expressing disbelief at Governor Kefas allegedly abusing state powers, the group warned against using Takum as leverage to gain support from other traditional rulers in the state for the proposal to select a Chamba man for the Ukwe Takum Stool as a reward to General Danjuma.
The KYN vowed to resist any attempts to deny the Kuteb ethnic group their legitimate inheritance, citing the historical background of the Ukwe Takum traditional stool.
Attempts to seek clarification from the Commissioner of Information and Re-orientation, Barrister Zianab Jalingo, were unsuccessful as calls and messages to her went unanswered.
