Taraba: Kuteb Elders Concerned Over Proposal To Rotate Takum Stool

Elders representing the Kuteb Ethnic group in Taraba State have voiced apprehension regarding the proposed rotational system for the First Class Traditional Stool of Takum Local Government, initiated by the state government.

The concern 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 the executive bill aimed at instituting one rotational 1st Class Chief and three 3rd class Chiefs in Takum town.

The 1st Class Traditional Stool of Takum has remained vacant since 1996, amidst rival ethnic factions laying claim to its ownership.

Successive governments have also tried to call a truce, which has often failed to resolve the Chieftaincy tussle.

In a statement issued by Ande Filli, Tuesday, the Kuteb elders lamented that the rotation of the 1st class stool would marginalize them in favor of other minority tribes within the vicinity.

The statement highlighted concerns over the proposed bill’s intention to eradicate the title of the paramount ruler of Takum, ‘Ukwe Takum,’ from the Kuteb language, replacing 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, contradicts principles of natural justice and morality.

They also emphasized that the implementation of this bill would not only dismantle the Kuteb traditional dynasty but also undermine 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 also desist from advancing this proposal, withdraw the bill, address Takum’s boundary issues, and ceremoniously hand over the staff of office to Ukwe Takum.

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