TRADITIONAL TITLE CHAOS: TARABA GOVT SAYS “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH”, ONLY EMIRS AND CHIEFS RECOGNIZED
By Mohammed Tikka
manavgat escort
The Taraba State Government has issued a firm warning against the illegal bestowal of traditional titles by unauthorized individuals and ethnic groups across the state, stressing that only the titles of Emir and Chief are legally recognized under existing state laws.
Speaking during a press conference in Jalingo, the Permanent Secretary of the Bureau for Local Government, Traditions and Chieftaincy Affairs, Engineer Godfrey Dame Andrew, said the government is alarmed by reports of individuals roaming various local government areas, assigning traditional titles to their kinsmen without approval and falsely claiming they were cleared by the Bureau.
“That claim is completely false and mischievous,” Engineer Dame said. “The law is very clear – only Emirs and Chiefs are recognized in Taraba State. There are no ethnic or tribal councils permitted. Any titles given outside this legal framework are null and void.”
He warned that anyone caught violating this directive would be prosecuted, adding that the structure of traditional leadership in the state follows a clear hierarchy: Chief or Emir at the top, followed by District Heads, Village Heads, and Ward Heads.
These positions, he explained, are not up for casual appointment or politics; they are officially graded and, in many cases, hereditary.
Also speaking at the briefing, Chairman of the State House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Peter Abel Diya, emphasized the need for all ethnic groups living in a host community to respect the leadership of that area.
“No group should claim ownership of a town or install their own leaders without government recognition,” Hon. Diya said. “If your group is living in a community, any traditional recognition for your group must come through the existing Emir or Chief of that area. You can’t bring in your own structure, that’s how conflict starts.”
The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Taraba State chapter, Dr. Aminu Jauro Hassan, backed the government’s position, calling on all local government chairmen to be vigilant.
He said, “We must protect the integrity of our traditional institutions. Any group attempting to create a parallel authority must be reported immediately. These illegal practices undermine peace and development in our communities.”
The government said it is acting now to stop confusion and ensure harmony among the many diverse groups in the state. Engineer Dame reiterated that only Emirs and Chiefs will be recognized, not self-appointed leaders or titles bestowed within ethnic groups without formal approval.
Residents of Taraba are now being urged to abide by this directive, align themselves with the legitimate traditional structures where they reside, and refrain from creating divisions under the guise of cultural identity.
The state government made it clear: unity, law, and respect for tradition must come first.
