TARABA STATE GOVERNMENT ISSUES STERN WARNING TO TRADITIONAL RULERS ON INDISCRIMINATE CONFERMENT OF CHIEFTAINCY TITLES
Globaltimes Report
In a move to address what appears to be a blatant abuse of privileges and egregious misuse of authority by certain traditional institutions and ethnic associations in Taraba State, the state government has voiced profound dissatisfaction and concern regarding the rampant proliferation and arbitrary bestowal of chieftaincy titles. These honors are often granted to individuals whose qualifications remain opaque, with no discernible criteria or merit-based standards applied by the implicated entities.
Permanent Secretary of Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
During a press conference convened in his office, the Permanent Secretary of the Bureau for Local Government, Traditional, and Chieftaincy Affairs, Engr. Godfrey Andrew Dame, categorically distanced the Bureau from any purported approvals claimed by those engaging in these practices. He emphasized that such actions have the potential to sow seeds of disunity, fostering discord and unrest within the territorial domains overseen by established chiefdoms.
Elaborating on the issue, Engr. Dame highlighted that beyond errant traditional rulers, various cultural associations are also culpable in this trend. Alarmingly, in many instances, the legitimate Emirs and Chiefs—who hold the rightful authority over such matters—are entirely unaware of these unauthorized conferments. This lack of oversight has prompted the government to intervene decisively, aiming to curtail this escalating negative development at its inception and avert potential conflicts that could arise from jurisdictional overlaps or perceived encroachments.
Further insights were provided by the Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government, Traditional, and Chieftaincy Affairs, Rt. Hon. Abel Peter Diah. He underscored that the legislative framework governing the establishment of chiefdoms clearly delineates the roles, responsibilities, and jurisdictional boundaries for each traditional ruler. Consequently, it is both imprudent and unlawful for any individual or group to unilaterally decide to award a chieftaincy title within a domain under another’s purview, as this constitutes a direct infringement on established authority and could undermine the integrity of traditional governance structures.
In a firm declaration, Engr. Dame asserted that, effective immediately, any traditional chieftaincy titles conferred by ethnic groups or unauthorized bodies will not be recognized by the Bureau for Local Government, Traditional, and Chieftaincy Affairs. Individuals found falsely presenting themselves as holders of such titles will face legal prosecution. All residents, ethnic communities, and stakeholders are strongly urged to heed this directive to maintain peace, order, and respect for institutional protocols within the state.
