The Taraba State Bureau for Local Government, Traditions and Chieftaincy Affairs has issued a warning against the unauthorized conferment of traditional titles across the state. This move comes as some individuals have been discovered illegally conferring traditional chieftaincy titles on their associates, falsely claiming to have the Bureau’s backing.
According to Engineer Godfrey Dame Andrew, the Permanent Secretary of the Bureau, these actions are “false and mischievous” and have not been authorized by the Bureau. Andrew emphasized that the Bureau remains committed to enforcing the laws governing traditional leadership in the state. He clarified that the only traditional titles recognized by law in Taraba State are “Chief” and “Emir”.
The state’s traditional leadership hierarchy is clearly defined, with the Chiefdom or Emirate at the top, followed by District Heads, Village Heads, and Ward Heads. Andrew warned that no individual or group has the right to create or assume leadership roles outside this structure, as this would be a direct violation of the law and a threat to the peace and order of the communities.
The creation of parallel traditional authorities is not recognized by the state, and offenders will be prosecuted. The Permanent Secretary urged residents to respect the existing traditional institutions in their areas and warned against actions that could incite division or conflict. He called for unity and mutual respect among all ethnic groups in Taraba, urging citizens to support the state’s legal traditional framework.
The warning is significant, as it aims to maintain peace, order, and stability in the state. The Bureau’s commitment to upholding the law and recognizing only legally approved traditional titles is crucial in preventing the proliferation of unauthorized traditional authorities. By reinforcing the existing traditional institutions, the state seeks to promote unity and cooperation among its diverse ethnic groups. The move is expected to have a positive impact on the state’s social cohesion and governance.
