The youth wing of the socio-cultural association, Kuteb Yatso Nigeria, has kicked against the proposed rotation of the first-class traditional stool of Takum Local Government by Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas.
The group said such a move would erode their cultural heritage.
In addition to their discontent with the rotation proposal, they also expressed resistance to the state government’s plan of establishing three third-class chiefs in Takum town.
During a press conference convened on Thursday in Jalingo, the state capital, Ande Yakubu, President of the Youth Group, accompanied by a representative of the Ukwe ruling house, urged the state assembly to approach the matter with fairness.
Yakubu emphasised the significance of the Takum traditional institution, stating, “The Takum traditional institution is as ancient as humanity itself. This action by the state government poses a threat to dismantling and abolishing our longstanding traditional structure.”
He added, “We have presented our case during the public hearing, and our stance remains unwavering. Even if the law permits the governor to create chiefdoms, it does not grant him the authority to dismantle an existing chiefdom.
“Our chosen method of protest in this matter is through this medium, to draw attention to the situation in Takum.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Prince Sule Yusu, speaking on behalf of the Ukwe ruling house, offered a prayer, expressing hope that “God will grant the governor the wisdom bestowed upon King Solomon in the Bible” to resolve the chieftaincy dispute in Takum.
Arogidigba Global Journal reported that the Governor Kafes, on Monday forwarded an executive bill to the State House of Assembly, seeking the establishment of one rotational first-class chief and three third-class chiefs in Takum among the three tribes of Chamba, Jukun, and Kute in Takum council.