Gen. Danjuma Coronation Plan Sparks Outrage; Kuteb Leaders Cry Foul: “Our Throne Not for Sale!”
The Kuteb Yatso of Nigeria (KYN), representing the Kuteb people of Taraba State, erupted in fury Thursday, vehemently rejecting Governor Agbu Kefas’ proposal to make Gen. T.Y. Danjuma the next Ukwe of Takum.
The National President of the Kuteb Yatso the umbrella body of the Kuteb people, Mr. Emmanuel Ukwen disclosed this during a press conference in Jaligo.
This controversial move, seen as a political ploy to appease Danjuma for his development efforts, has ignited fears of a looming crisis in the already volatile region.
“We will not sit back and watch the governor hand our sacred ancestral throne to an outsider.
“The Ukwe Takum stool is the exclusive preserve of the Kuteb people, passed down through generations. Danjuma can be honoured with countless other titles, but not this one.”
He accused Kefas of “stirring mayhem” and urged security chiefs to prioritise tackling the rampant kidnappings and banditry plaguing Taraba rather than fueling further conflict in Takum.
The governor’s proposal reportedly emerged from a January 20th meeting with representatives of the Ukwe Takum’s Likam and Akente ruling houses.
However, KYN vehemently rejects this attempt to bypass the broader Kuteb community.
“The Ukwe Takum is not just for two families,” Ukwen emphasized. “It belongs to the entire Kuteb nation.”
Kefas’ attempt to downplay Kuteb concerns by claiming they have “no one to stand for them” due to alleged enmity with neighbouring Tiv, Chamba, and Fulani groups only fueled the fire.
“The Wukari people also faced similar challenges,” Ukwen countered. “Did that stop them from protecting their traditions?”
KYN’s appealed to Taraba’s traditional rulers, urging them to “advise the Governor against this injustice” and protect the sanctity of their own thrones. A call for calm was also issued to Kuteb youths, with a plea to avoid social media manipulation and remain law-abiding.
The brewing storm over the Ukwe Takum stool threatens to destabilise an already fragile region.
Governor Kefas faces a critical choice: honour the traditions and rights of the Kuteb people or risk igniting a conflict with potentially devastating consequences. Only time will tell if he heeds the warnings and chooses the path of peace.
