The Taraba State Bureau for Local Government, Traditions and Chieftaincy Affairs has raised alarm over the illegal conferring of traditional titles by unauthorised individuals in some local government councils of the state.

Speaking on Monday at a press conference in Jalingo, the Permanent Secretary of the Bureau, Engineer Godfrey Dame Andrew, stated that certain individuals have been moving around local government councils, bestowing traditional chieftaincy titles on their kinsmen and falsely claiming to have the bureau’s approval.

He described the claim as “false and mischievous,” asserting that the bureau has not given any such authorisation and remains committed to upholding the provisions of the law regarding traditional leadership.

“The bureau wishes to categorically state that in Taraba State, the only traditional titles recognised under the law are ‘Chief’ and ‘Emir’,” Andrew declared.

According to him, Taraba State does not recognise any ethnic or tribal councils under the law. Instead, the traditional structure consists of the Traditional Council and the Emirate Council, both headed by officially designated Chiefs and Emirs.

He explained that the recognised hierarchy of traditional leadership includes the Chiefdom or Emirate at the apex, followed by District Heads, Village Heads, and Ward Heads. These positions, he stressed, are hereditary and cannot be arbitrarily created or assumed by individuals or groups.

Andrew warned that any attempts to create parallel traditional authorities pose a threat to the existing traditional system and would not be tolerated by the government.

“The Bureau will not recognise any person or group parading themselves as traditional rulers without legal backing.

Any ethnic group found appointing or recognising an unauthorised traditional ruler will face prosecution,” he said.
Residents of Taraba State were urged to show respect and allegiance to the existing traditional institutions and avoid actions that could disrupt harmony within their communities.

The permanent secretary called for cooperation and peaceful coexistence among all ethnic groups in the state, emphasising the importance of preserving traditional lawful systems.

“Let us all uphold the law and work together for peace and stability in our state,” he stated.