Taraba Warns Against Illegal Traditional Title Awards

The Taraba State Bureau for Local Government, Traditions, and Chieftaincy Affairs has issued a warning against the unauthorized granting of traditional titles in the state.

                                         

Permanent Secretary Engineer Godfrey Dame Andrew disclosed this during a press conference in Jalingo on Wednesday, condemning the actions of individuals who have been conferring titles without legal authority.

Andrew described the practice as “false and mischievous”, noting that some individuals had been moving across local governments to bestow chieftaincy titles on their associates while falsely claiming endorsement from the Bureau.

He stressed that:

• The Bureau has not approved any such activities.

• It remains committed to upholding traditional leadership laws in the state.

For clarity, Andrew stated that under Taraba law:

• The only officially recognized titles are “Chief” and “Emir.”

• No tribal or ethnic councils are legally acknowledged.

• Only the Traditional Council and Emirate Council, led by graded Chiefs and Emirs chosen through hereditary processes, are recognized.

He outlined the official leadership hierarchy as:

• Chiefdom/Emirate

• District Heads

• Village Heads

• Ward Heads

Any attempt to create parallel traditional institutions, he warned, is illegal and a threat to community peace.

“The Bureau will not recognize any person or group parading themselves as traditional rulers without legal approval. Offenders will be prosecuted,” Andrew cautioned.

He also urged residents to respect the existing legal and traditional frameworks to avoid division and conflict.

Andrew appealed to all ethnic groups in Taraba to:

• Respect one another

• Uphold the law

• Work collectively to maintain peace, order, and stability in the state

“Let us all uphold the law and work together to maintain peace, order, and stability in our state,” he said.

Unauthorized chieftaincy titles can create parallel power structures, fuel ethnic division, and disrupt community harmony. The Bureau’s warning aims to protect the legitimacy of Taraba’s traditional institutions.