By Ukpono Ukpong
Tension is rising in Bassa-Nge Kingdom over an alleged hijack of the process for selecting a new Etsu Bassa-Nge, with fears growing that the situation could trigger a breakdown of law and order in the area.
The unfolding dispute in Bassa Local Government Area has sparked concern among residents and stakeholders, who warn that the alleged manipulation of traditional processes could disrupt peace and stability in the kingdom.
Communities within the ancient kingdom have raised the alarm and called on key state authorities to intervene, citing mounting tension driven by what they describe as desperate moves by some political actors to undermine long-established customs guiding the traditional stool.
The controversy has continued to generate widespread anxiety, with several stakeholders describing the process as flawed, provocative and capable of igniting avoidable conflict if not urgently addressed.
A petition submitted to the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Kogi State, by Abdulrahman Tanko, a lawyer representing one of the ruling houses, alleges a clear distortion of the accepted rotational tradition governing the selection of the Etsu Bassa-Nge.
In the petition, it was alleged that “there are two Ruling Houses in Bassa-Nge District and it is on rotational basis. The two Ruling Houses are Nyakpa Ruling House where Amkpolo and Lerama descended. And, Etan Ruling House, where Maiyaki Mopa and Eri descended.
It further stated, “that the rotational arrangement is acceptable and tenable that when Etan Ruling House is enthroned as Etsu Bassa-Nge, the 2nd Ruling House Nyakpa will produce the SHABA of Bassa-Nge indicating the ruling house that will take the throne of Etsu Bassa-Nge after the demise of the reigning Etsu Bassa-Nge, and this procedure is vice versa”.
Our reporter learnt that the brewing tension gathered steam after a meeting which reportedly held at the palace of the Aguma of Bassa, who chairs the Bassa Area Traditional Council, where there was a purported endorsement of a report emanating from the disputed “14 Gago Committee”.
It was said that the disputed and unknown committee have screened candidates and recommended the appointment of Alhaji Yakubu Gowon Eri as the new Etsu Bassa-Nge.
Some critical leaders disclosed that such actions amount to “the smuggling of a candidate whose ruling house has just ruled for 22 years is intended to create crises and serious security problems for the state”.
Also, the stakeholders are worried that those planning the infamous hijack of the traditional stool have also gone ahead to announce via various social media platforms that they have unilaterally approved the appointment of a first class chief without reference to the appropriate government authorities.
This is said to be a flagrant usurpation of the authority and absolutely disparaging to the roles of Bassa-Nge Traditional Council, Bassa Local Government Traditional Council, the Local Government Chairman, the Commissioner and Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Kogi State governor.
Moreover, there is a real fear that if this situation is not urgently addressed, it could degenerate into violence,” a community source warned. “We are talking about possible loss of lives and property if tempers are allowed to escalate.”
Equally troubling, according to critical stakeholders, is the perceived silence of relevant authorities in the face of these developments. The Kogi State Government has been commended for respecting the customs and traditions of communities in resolving chieftaincy matters across the State. Many stakeholders insist that the situation in Bassa-Nge land should not be treated differently.
“The law is clear, traditional rulers cannot be imposed on the people,” a commentator noted. “Any attempt to do so creates tension, civil unrest and opens the door to criminality.”
