The Taraba State Bureau for Local Government, Traditions and Chieftaincy Affairs has issued a stern warning against the unauthorised conferment of traditional titles across the state.
Speaking at a press conference in Jalingo on Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary of the Bureau, Godfrey Andrew, raised alarm over reports that certain individuals have been illegally touring local government areas, conferring chieftaincy titles and falsely claiming endorsement from the bureau.
Describing these actions as “false and mischievous,” Andrew clarified that the bureau has not sanctioned any such activities and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the laws regulating traditional leadership in the state.
“For clarity, the only traditional titles recognised by law in Taraba State are chief and emir,” he stated.
He further emphasised that the state does not recognise any tribal or ethnic councils operating outside the legal framework.
The state’s traditional leadership structure, he explained, is limited to the traditional council and the emirate council, both composed of graded chiefs and emirs appointed through established hereditary procedures.
The recognised hierarchy, he added, begins with the chiefdom or emirate at the top, followed by district heads, village heads, and ward heads.
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“No individual or group has the right to create or assume leadership roles outside this structure,” Andrew warned.
“The creation of parallel traditional authorities is a direct violation of the law and a threat to the peace and order of our communities.”
He cautioned that the bureau will not acknowledge any individual or group parading themselves as traditional rulers without official recognition, stressing that violators will face prosecution.
The permanent secretary urged residents to respect the traditional institutions in their localities and avoid actions that could incite division or unrest.
He called for unity among the diverse ethnic groups in the state and encouraged all citizens to support the established traditional leadership system.
“Let us all uphold the law and work together to maintain peace, order, and stability in our state,” he concluded.
