New Ukwe Takum Has Come To Stay, Kutebs Leaders

Gov. Kefas Meets Kuteb Stakeholders, Traditional Rulers  

Leaders of the Kutebs nation has said the new  Ukwe Takum Ukwe Rimamnyang Habu Ahmadu II will be presented to the government for recognition and preparation towards the presentation of staff of office.

This is coming as Taraba state governor Dr Agbu Kefas will be meeting with Kuteb stakeholders and other traditional rulers to discuss the development.  

The leaders who gathered in Abuja said the selection of the first class traditional ruler of Takum was done strictly in accordance with the Kuteb culture and tradition. 

They blamed lack of ascension to the throne in the last 26 years on laxity and lack of commitment of successive Taraba State governors despite recommendations by series of committees of enquiries that the paramount throne of UKWE TAKUM is an exclusive preserve of Kuteb, "we knew it was also because of the long process that it could sometimes take for the ancestors to select the right person from the ruling Kuteb families for the throne.

"Ukwe Rimamnyang Habu Ahmadu II has undergone all the basic rites of ascension to the paramount throne of UKWE TAKUM and has since been enthroned. We are pleased to say he has come to stay.

"The kuteb people are happy to announce that finally, the ancestors have spoken, the crown prince has been identified and the UKWE TAKUM has, therefore, been selected according to Kuteb culture and tradition," a statement signed by Fili Ande for chairman Kuteb Leadership In Abuja

While the Commissioner of Information and Re-orientation in Taraba State, Barrister Zainab Usman Jalingo, has debunked reports that the state government has appointed a new king in Takum.

The commissioner announced that the government is currently engaged in extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders before commencing the process to appointing a new king in Takum.

The statement urged the public to disregard any unfounded rumours and misinformation related to the alleged appointment of a new king in Takum.

The Kuteb Elders Forum responding the  a statement emphasize that the matter of selecting a new ruler for Ukwe Takum is a matter of tradition and that the government is not involved at this stage. 

However, the Kuteb Elders Forum expresses concern about the haste shown in Commissioner Jalingo's press statement before the completion of traditional rites, alleging that the Taraba State Government has been involved in keeping Ukwe Takum vacant all these years, despite white papers and panel reports favoring its status quo. 

The statement suggests that this supports the Chamba Agenda to take over the stool against norms, culture, traditions, and laws governing it.

The Kuteb Elders Forum calls on the Taraba State Government to allow them the freedom to practice their traditions without interference, as their brothers from Kpanzon did recently. 

The statement adds that the new Ukwe Takum will work towards peace and prosperity within the city while serving all people under him, regardless of race or tribe. 

The Kuteb Elders Forum urges all concerned parties to allow peace to reign supreme within the borders

The position of the Paramount Traditional Ruler of Takum has been vacant for 26 years, following the death of Ukwe Ali Ibrahim Kuffang II.