Criticisms have trailed the decision of several traditional councils in Taraba State to withdraw multiple honourary titles from a prominent youth leader and philanthropist, Saleem Iliyasu Goje, popularly known as Dan Mama.
Three major traditional institutions, the Sardauna, Gassol, and Zing Emirate Councils, announced the revocation of the honorary titles previously conferred on him.
The Sardauna Emirate Council withdrew the title of Jagoran Mambilla, the Gassol Emirate Council stripped him of Sardaunan Gassol, while the Zing Emirate Council rescinded the title of Dan Malikin Zing.
While the Sardauna and Zing emirate councils were silent on the reason for the withdrawal of the titles, the Gassol Chiefdom said the withdrawal of Goje’s title “became necessary due to your activities and actions that are inimical to the policies and programmes of the state government, which directly affect the image of the present government.”
Reacting to the development on Saturday, Taraba State Youths Advocate for Good Governance (TSYAGG) demanded transparency from the authorities involved, calling for clarity on the reasons behind the revocation and insisting that Goje be given a fair hearing.
The group, in a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Ibrahim Isa Donga, urged the traditional councils and relevant authorities to publicly disclose any allegations or complaints that prompted the decision and to restore the titles if no wrongdoing is established.
The organisation said stripping the youth leader of all his traditional titles is not only an unacceptable overreach but also a dangerous precedent that undermines the very principles of justice, fairness, and the encouragement of youth participation in societal development.
It said: “Dan Mama, as a young and influential figure, has, through his own merit and commitment to his community, earned the recognition and traditional titles bestowed upon him. These titles are a testament to his positive contributions and the trust reposed in him by traditional institutions.
“The government’s unilateral decision to revoke these honors, without transparently stating clear, justifiable reasons and without affording him the right to a fair hearing, smacks of a political witch-hunt and executive high-handedness.
“This action sends a deeply discouraging signal to the vibrant and aspiring youths of Taraba State. It essentially tells them that their hard work, community service, and acceptance by traditional institutions can be arbitrarily invalidated by political expediency.
“At a time when the nation is urging its young people to engage in constructive leadership and community development, the Taraba State Government is instead demonstrating a chilling disregard for their achievements.
“The Taraba State Government must immediately make public the specific allegations and due process followed that led to the dethronement of Dan Mama. A democratic government must operate on the rule of law, not on secrecy and arbitrariness.
“We call on the government to afford Mr. Saleem Iliyasu Goje the opportunity to defend himself against any charges in a fair and impartial manner. Reconsideration: Should the government fail to provide credible evidence of wrongdoing, we demand the immediate restoration of all traditional titles to Dan Mama and a public apology.”
