Ukwe Takum Stool: Kuteb People Appeal For FG’s Intervention

In a bid to safeguard their cultural heritage, the Kuteb tribe of Takum, Southern Taraba State, has issued an urgent appeal for intervention as a long-standing dispute over the Ukwe Takum Stool escalates.

The Kutebs, considered the aborigines of Takum, have a rich history dating back to the sixteenth century, governed by the Ukwe (king). However, tensions arose when the Chamba tribe sought inclusion among the ruling families, leading to a resolution in 1962 that maintained the exclusive rights of Likam and Akenten, the ruling Kuteb families.

Despite the resolution, a 1975 gazette brought significant changes, altering the Stool’s title and introducing non-Kuteb families. This move led to prolonged crises and subsequent committee recommendations for the repeal of the 1975 gazette.

The Ukwe Stool has remained vacant since the death of Ukwe Ali Ibrahim Kufang in 1996. The Kuteb tribe, adhering to Native Law and Custom, has selected Prince Rimamnyang Habu Ahmadu as the new Ukwe Takum. A confirmation from the Taraba State Government is awaited.

Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas’s recent statements have heightened tensions. His plan to dismantle the Ukwe Takum dynasty and create three Third Class Stools, impacting the Kuteb, Chamba, and Jukun tribes, has sparked concerns about the region’s stability.

The Kuteb tribe urgently seeks intervention to:

Caution the governor against jeopardising the Ukwe Takum Stool’s historical significance.

Advocate for the acceptance of Prince Rimamnyang Habu Ahmadu as Ukwe Takum.

Encourage the governor to focus on his tenure without disrupting the ancient Ukwe Stool’s structure.

The Kuteb tribe’s plea for the preservation of their cultural identity and avoidance of potential bloodshed echoes through Takum. As the situation unfolds, the region anxiously awaits responses from both local and national authorities.

What to Understand from the Letter!

Historical Context

The Kutebs, originating from the ancient Kwararafa block, stand as the indigenous people of Takum, encompassing Takum, Ussa Local Governments, and the Yangtu Special Development Area in Southern Taraba State. This region has become a melting pot of diverse tribes, and the Kuteb tribe, in particular, has emerged as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing communities. With a population of approximately 500,000, the Kutebs have dispersed across Taraba State and beyond, making significant inroads into Nigeria’s Southwest and South-South regions.

Takum, a cultural tapestry, not only hosts the Kutebs but also accommodates a myriad of other tribes, creating a rich and dynamic social landscape. The Jukun (Kpanzo), Chamba, Ichen, Yukuben, Tiv, Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo communities coexist harmoniously in this vibrant Southern Taraba State locale.

The historical significance of the Kutebs as aborigines of Takum traces back to their roots in the ancient Kwararafa block, showcasing a resilient and enduring cultural identity. As one of the pillars of the community, the Kuteb tribe has played a crucial role in shaping the multifaceted tapestry that defines Takum today.

In this harmonious cohabitation of diverse tribes, Takum has evolved into a microcosm of Nigeria’s cultural mosaic. The interplay of traditions, languages, and customs within this community exemplifies the beauty of unity in diversity, highlighting the potential for shared growth and understanding among Nigeria’s varied ethnic groups.

History of “Traditional Rulership in Takum”

The historical roots of governance in Takum are deeply embedded in the rich tapestry of tribal traditions, particularly those of the aboriginal Kutebs. The governance structure, dating back to the sixteenth century, saw the Kutebs being led by a paramount ruler known as the Ukwe (King). This traditional leadership was unique to the Kutebs, distinguishing them as the indigenous people of Takum.

Prior to 1914, various tribes, such as Kpanzo, Chamba, Tiv, Yukuben, and Hausa, each had their own kings overseeing their respective affairs. However, the colonial government marked a turning point in Takum’s history. In a significant move, the government amalgamated the diverse tribal rulerships in Takum into a singular Paramount Traditional Institution, elevating it to the status of a Third Class Stool.

A meticulous examination of the historical landscape led to the realisation that the Kutebs were the aborigines of Takum. In light of this discovery, the colonial government appointed Ukwe Ahmadu Gankwe, a Kuteb and then a District Head, as the inaugural Paramount Ruler (Ukwe) of the newly established throne in 1914. This marked the beginning of a lineage of Ukwe Takum rulers, each contributing to the cultural and administrative legacy of Takum.

The succession of Ukwe Takum rulers, from Ahmadu Gankwe to Ali Ibrahim Kufang, spans several decades, reflecting a continuity rooted in Kuteb Native Law and Custom. This custom, carefully adhered to in the selection and appointment process, dictates that only two ruling Kuteb families, Likam and Akenten, have the privilege of producing Ukwe rulers.

The governance of Takum under the Ukwe Takum Stool not only reflects the historical depth of the Kuteb tribe but also underscores the importance of cultural continuity and adherence to traditional values in the evolving landscape of Southern Taraba State.

Agitations about the Ukwu stool

In the intricate tapestry of Takum’s cultural history, a persistent struggle for inclusion among ruling families unfolds, notably exemplified by the Chamba tribe. This tale dates back to a pivotal meeting of the Takum Native Authority on July 23, 1962, prompted by the Chamba’s fervent desire to be recognized among the ruling elite. The resolution of this gathering declared the ruling families of Ukwe Takum to remain two: the Likam and Akenten (Kuteb) ruling families. Furthermore, it recommended the recomposition of Ukwe Takum selectors to include three non-Kutebs: Yerima Tikari, Sarkin Hausawa, and Sarkin Jukun (Kpanzo). These compromises were enshrined in the 1963 Northern Nigeria Government Gazette, laying to rest the Chamba’s agitations and leading to the selection of Ukwe Ali Ibrahim Kufang in 1963.

However, a clandestine development unfolded without consultation with the Takum Traditional Council in 1975, spearheaded by General T.Y. Danjuma, a Chamba elder statesman. Collaborating with the Military Administrator, Joseph D. Gomwalk, and Benue Plateau government officials, they introduced Gazette No. 21 on May 22, 1975. This new order not only deceitfully altered the title of the stool from Ukwe Takum to Chief of Takum but also inserted two Chamba families, Tikari and Dinyi, into the ruling families. This contentious move, contrary to the resolutions of 1962, has triggered numerous crises, causing the loss of lives and the destruction of property. In response, various committees and commissions recommended the repeal of the 1975 Gazette.

Despite these efforts, the Chamba tribe, led by Senior Citizen General Danjuma, resurrected their agitations after the death of Ukwe Ali Ibrahim Kufang in 1996. Their persistent endeavours to enforce the unpopular 1975 Order, disregarding judicial and administrative panel reports favouring the restoration of the status quo, led to the prolonged vacancy of the Ukwe Stool until January 2024. The Kuteb tribe vehemently opposes this aspiration, viewing it as an evil design akin to an unthinkable scenario, like the Igbo people aspiring to ascend to the throne of the Oba in Lagos.

Asserting the exclusivity of the First Class Ukwe Takum Stool to the Kuteb tribe, reminiscent of the Gara Donga and Aku-Uka Wukari in the Chamba and Jukun tribes, respectively, the Kutebs emphasise the sanctity of their family inheritance. Drawing inspiration from the biblical narrative of Naboth refusing to release his family land to King Ahab, they adamantly reject the idea of sharing or selling the Ukwe Takum Stool, considering it beyond monetary valuation.

Furthermore, the Kutebs appeal to modern concepts of liberty and democracy, advocating for the protection of indigenous tribes’ rights, cultures, and freedoms. While recognising contributions from individuals like General Danjuma, they differentiate between recognition through traditional titles and encroachment on the sacred Ukwe Takum Stool, thereby preserving the cultural legacy of the Kuteb tribe.

Appointment of New Ukwe Takum

After an agonising wait spanning from October 22, 1996, following the demise of Ukwe Ali Ibrahim Kufang, to January 2024, the Taraba State Government has yet to summon the willpower to initiate the crucial process of appointing a new Ukwe Takum. Speculations abound regarding the reluctance, with conjectures ranging from fears of influential figures to the influence of negative forces or agitations. Undeterred by the prolonged delay, the Kuteb tribe has meticulously adhered to its native law and custom. In a decisive move, they have selected Prince Rimamnyang Habu Ahmadu as the rightful heir to the Ukwe Takum Stool.

With unwavering commitment, the Kutebs have diligently performed all traditional rites associated with the sacred stool. Now, their gaze is fixed on the Taraba State Government, anticipating the issuance of the staff of office to Prince Rimamnyang Habu Ahmadu. This ceremonial act aligns with established practices since the adoption of the democratic system in Nigeria. The Kuteb tribe’s patient anticipation resonates with the significance of upholding cultural traditions and the seamless transition of leadership within the community.

Reactions Of The Taraba State Government

In the complex and culturally rich tapestry of Takum, Taraba State, the recent developments surrounding the Ukwe Takum Stool have ignited a tumultuous situation, raising concerns not only among the Kuteb people but also among other peace-loving tribes and residents of Takum. The Taraba State Governor, His Excellency Dr Agbu Kefas, widely respected for his commitment to good governance and social development, finds himself at the center of a brewing storm.

Governor Kefas’ statements and body language, particularly after learning of the Kuteb people’s selection of Prince Rimamnyang Habu Ahmadu as the new Ukwe Takum, have fueled doubt, suspicion, and restiveness. The Kutebs, along with various other tribes inhabiting the cosmopolitan Takum, perceive the new Ukwe as a symbol of the return of glory to the region.

In a meeting with the Takum royal families on January 20, 2024, Governor Kefas dropped a bombshell that reverberated through the community. He announced plans to dismantle the existing structure of the Ukwe Takum dynasty and erect an entirely new one. The proposed restructuring involves the creation of three Third Class Stools in Takum, designated for the Kuteb, Chamba, and Jukun (Kpanzo) tribes. Subsequently, the Governor intends to appoint the first-class ruler as the Chief of Takum, dissociating the title from any specific tribe.

This announcement has injected tension into a region already grappling with various challenges, including attacks and banditry activities. The repercussions of the governor’s proposed agenda are evident, with numerous people, especially outsiders, abandoning Takum due to fears of potential upheaval.

The Kuteb leaders, as aborigines deeply connected to the land, are now seeking assistance from empathetic and kind-hearted leaders to prevent further unrest. In their appeal, they express their inability to guarantee peace and safety if the governor proceeds with his plans, emphasising the profound significance of the traditional stool, which is intricately tied to the souls of the natives. They draw a parallel to the biblical story of Naboth, who adamantly refused to release his family land to King Ahab.

In light of these developments, the leaders passionately appeal for urgent intervention. Their requests include calling the Governor’s attention to the potential dangers of his proposals, advising him to accept Prince Rimamnyang Habu Ahmadu as the chosen Ukwe Takum, and urging him to focus on his gubernatorial tenure without causing harm to the ancient Ukwe Stool. The leaders highlight the potential consequences of disrupting the cultural and historical fabric of Takum, drawing parallels with the governor’s likely aversion to similar actions against the cherished Aku-Uka dynasty of Wukari, to which he is affiliated.

See Letter Below:

KUTEB YATSO OF NIGERIA (KYN) Ukwe Palace, Takum,

Taraba State.

31st January, 2024.

His Excellency,

Kashim Shettima (GCON)

Vice-President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria,

Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Your Excellency,

SOS- AN URGENT CALL TO SAVE THE KUTEB TRIBE

PREAMBLE

The Kutebs being an upshoot of the ancient Kwararafa block are the aborigines of Takum (which now comprises Takum, Ussa Local Governments and Yangtu Special Development Area) of Southern Taraba State. The Kuteb tribe is one of the fastest growing tribes in Nigeria with a population of about 500,000 spread across Taraba State and other parts of Nigeria especially Southwest and South South. Other tribes found in Takum are Jukun (Kpanzo), Chamba, Ichen, Yukuben, Tiv, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo etc.

HISTORY OF TRADITIONAL RULERSHIP IN TAKUM.

The Kutebs as the aborigines of Takum are governed by Ukwe (King) which history dates back to the Sixteenth Century. Some of the other tribes that later migrated to Takum eg, Kpanzo, Chamba, Tiv, Yukuben, Hausa had their own kings that oversaw their affairs, till 1914 when the then Colonial Government amalgamated the tribal rulerships in Takum into one Paramount Traditional Institution and upgraded it to a Third Class Stool. After a careful study of the history of the tribes in Takum, and upon realization that the Kutebs are the aborigines of Takum, the Colonial Government appointed Ukwe Ahmadu Gankwe (Kuteb) who then was a District Head as the first Paramount Ruler (Ukwe) of the newly established throne. See the list of those who have ruled Takum from 1914 below:

1. Ukwe Ahmadu Gankwe (Kuteb) 1914-1926.

2. Ukwe Hassan Gankwe (Kuteb) 1926-1929.

3. Ukwe Ibrahim Kufang Zorto (Kuteb) 1929-1938.

4. Ukwe Audu Gyaa Ahmadu (Kuteb) 1938-1963.

5. Ukwe Ali Ibrahim Kufang (Kuteb) 1963-1996. 

It is worth stating here that all these previous Ukwe Takum were selected and appointed in accordance with Kuteb Native Law and Custom which provides for only two ruling Kuteb Families of Likam and Akenten. 

AGITATIONS ABOUT THE UKWE STOOL

The only migrant tribe of all the non-Kuteb tribes listed above that have for long struggled to be included among the ruling families of Takum is the Chamba. Their agitations necessitated a meeting of the Takum Native Authority on 23rd July, 1962 which resolved:

(a). That the ruling families of Ukwe Takum shall continue to be two, that is Likam and Akenten (Kuteb) ruling families.

(b). That the selectors of Ukwe Takum be recomposed to include 3 non-Kutebs, namely;  

(1) Yerima Tikari (2) Sarkin Hausawa and (3) Sarkin Jukun (Kpanzo).

These compromises and adjustments in resolution (b) above were thereafter incorporated into the 1963 Northern Nigeria Government Gazette which put to rest the agitations by the Chamba; and it’s this Order that was used to select Ukwe Ali Ibrahim Kufang in 1963. 

However, unknown to and without consultations with the then Takum Traditional Council of Takum District, our Elder Statesman, General T.Y Danjuma (Chamba extraction) used his privileged position in the then Federal Military Government in collaboration with the then Military Administrator, Joseph D. Gomwalk and his kinsmen in the government of Benue Plateau brought out a new gazette No.21 of 22nd May, 1975. This new Order not only fraudulently changed the title of the Stool from Ukwe Takum to Chief of Takum but smuggled in two Chamba (non-Kuteb) families of Tikari and Dinyi among the ruling families. This new and unpopular Order was contrary to the mutually accepted resolutions of July 1962 and has been responsible for several crises, destruction of lives, and properties in the region. In response, several Committees and Commissions have been constituted by Gongola and Taraba States governments respectively being successor governments to the Benue Plateau, with their reports all recommending the repeal of the 1975 gazette of Benue Plateau State. Gongola State Government reinstated the title of Ukwe in her Legal Notice No.1 Vol.7 of 7th January, 1982.

After the death of Ukwe Ali Ibrahim Kufang in 1996 (ascension 1963), the Chamba tribe (spearheaded by our Senior Citizen General Danjuma) resuscitated their agitations and deployed their might and resources to insist that the corrupted and unpopular 1975 Order be implemented, ignoring the Judicial & Administrative Panel reports on restoration of status quo. This is the fight that kept the Ukwe Stool vacant from 1996 to January, 2024; and is the crux of this SOS letter. Mr. President, sir, this is an evil aspiration that will never be accepted by any people on earth. (To put it in perspective, it is akin to Igbo people agitating to ascend to the throne of the Oba in Lagos). The First Class Ukwe Takum Stool is the exclusive reserve of the Kuteb tribe, in the same way as the Gara Donga and Aku-Uka Wukari are to Chamba and Jukun tribes respectively. It’s our family inheritance, and as Naboth in the Scriptures refused to release his family land to King Ahab in spite of his influence, wealth and might (1Kings 21:1-16), God forbid that we’ll release or share the Stool of Ukwe Takum with any tribe, even if they offer to buy it with a handsome amount of money as did King Ahab.

Additionally, we appeal to the modern concepts of Liberty and Democracy as generally accepted practices by the UN and the majority of World governments, which guarantee and protect the rights, cultures, & freedoms of indigenous tribes; of which Nigeria is a signatory member. In fact, the Kuteb tribe in imbibing these concepts & practices, can graciously give traditional titles to recognise personalities in the likes of our Elder Statesman General Danjuma who is outside of the Ruling Families but who have contributed immensely to the infrastructural and social developments of the community, but not the Stool itself. 

APPOINTMENT OF NEW UKWE TAKUM

Having waited fruitlessly from October 22, 1996 when Ukwe Ali Ibrahim Kufang died, to January, 2024, with the Taraba State Government not having the will power to initiate the process of appointing Ukwe Takum, may be because of fear of some heavy weights, or some negative influence/agitations, the Kuteb tribe has carefully followed her Native Law and Custom and selected Prince Rimamnyang Habu Ahmadu as the new Ukwe Takum. All the traditional rites related to the Stool have been completed successfully, and we await the Taraba State Government to give him the staff of office as is the practice since the adoption of Democratic system of government in Nigeria.

REACTIONS OF THE TARABA STATE GOVERNMENT

The Taraba State Governor, His Excellency Dr Agbu Kefas is someone we esteem very highly because of his commitment to good governance and social development of the State. However, his utterances and body language, especially upon realizing that the Kuteb people have chosen a successor to the Ukwe Stool have created doubt, suspicion and restiveness in not only the Kutebs, but the other peace-loving tribes and people living in Takum, who see the new Ukwe as the return of the glory that flourished in cosmopolitan Takum. The Governor in a meeting with Takum royal families on 20th January, 2024 announced that he will dismantle the structure of the Ukwe Takum dynasty and erect an entirely new one. That he will create three Third Class Stools in Takum for Kuteb, Chamba and Jukun (Kpanzo), after which he shall appoint the first Class as the Chief of Takum, not Ukwe from any tribe, as if it’s a child’s play. Tension is mounting in this region that has suffered much attacks including banditry activities, and many people especially strangers are deserting Takum for fear of what may happen if the Governor insists on executing his purported agenda of upturning the ancient Ukwe Takum traditional structure. It is these developments that have pushed the Kutebs out to seek helps from empathetic & kind-hearted leaders like you, sir. If the Governor ventures to execute the above stated proposals, we as leaders of the Kuteb tribe cannot guarantee peace and safety of the land, as you know that traditional Stool is something that is tied to the souls of the natives, and people especially young ones can become reckless about it. We’re aborigines of Takum and own the land by God’s ordination and passionately sue for it to be spared and not divided up as proposed by the fraudulent mother in 1Kings 3:16-28.  It’s in the light of the foregoing that we appeal for your urgent intervention to prevent another phase of bloodshed in Takum and environs. We passionately request:

1. That you call the Governor’s attention to the dangers of his proposals regarding the Stool of Ukwe Takum.

2. That you advise the Governor to accept the choice of Prince Rimamnyang Habu Ahmadu by the Kutebs as the new Ukwe Takum and give the staff of office.

3. That you advise the Governor that if for any reason he’s not willing to accept the choice of the people, he should focus on his tenure as Governor and not create damages to the ancient Ukwe Stool just as he will not wish that such be done to the structure of the cherished Aku-Uka dynasty of Wukari of which he is a subject or that he belongs.

CONCLUSION

Your Excellency, we remain ever grateful to you for the audience granted and the optimism that our cries will be promptly heeded to by your kind Self. 

Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.

Mr. Emmanuel Ukwen,

President,

Kuteb Yatso Of Nigeria (KYN)