Traditional Stool Tussle: Tension Mounts in Lafia North as Village Head Challenges Government’s Position

By David Odama

Tension has continued to rise in Lafia North Development Area of Nasarawa State following the state government’s recent appointment of Mr. Dalhatu Mohammed Omiya as the Oron Akye, a second-class traditional ruler. The decision has sparked widespread controversy within the community, with many describing it as unlawful and a clear disregard for due judicial process.

The Ward Head of Alingani Village, Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim Atoshi, through his legal counsel, Barrister Aliyu Idris, has faulted the government’s action, insisting that the selection of Mr. Omiya as the paramount ruler of the Akye ethnic group is unconstitutional, null, and void.

In a statement issued by concerned citizens, it was emphasized that the selection was carried out despite a pending case before the High Court of Justice in Doma. The statement noted that the appointment amounted to contempt of court, as a substantive suit—No. NSD/LF27/2022—was already at the judgment stage when the state government proceeded with the appointment, even after an urgent motion for interim and interlocutory injunction had been duly served.

“The state Traditional Council and Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim Atoshi are seeking to restrain the Nasarawa State Government from interfering with the succession process,” the statement read.

It further noted that the appointment violates both the rule of law and the native customs governing the traditional stool of Oron Akye. According to the statement, the position of Oron Akye is rotational, and following the death of the last occupant from Ugah Village, the title should have rightfully passed to Alingani Village, where Alhaji Atoshi serves as the Ward Head.

“The government’s decision automatically breached the rotational principle enshrined in the Nasarawa State Law No. 2 of 2013,” the statement added.

It also revealed that the selection of Mr. Omiya went ahead despite protests from prominent traditional rulers across the state—a clear indication that the process lacked legitimacy and traditional backing from the majority of the people of Alingani, Gwayaka, Kiguna, and Ugah villages that constitute the chiefdom.

“We strongly believe that the Executive Governor and other state officials were misled by certain individuals within the Ministry of Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, as well as the State Traditional Council,” the statement alleged.

It further accused some officials of acting in bad faith and taking advantage of the temporary unavailability of the trial judge to misadvise the government into committing what it described as a “grave illegality” and a “direct affront” to judicial authority.

The counsel therefore called on the Nasarawa State Government to annul the selection and appointment of Mr. Dalhatu Mohammed Omiya, describing it as contemptuous of the court.

The statement also demanded the committal to prison of all key government officials, members of the State Traditional Council, and the third defendant involved in the alleged defiance of court orders.

Despite the rising tension, the statement appealed for calm among all parties, urging residents to remain peaceful and trust in the judiciary as the ultimate arbiter.

It concluded with a note of assurance that justice would prevail and that the court would nullify the alleged unlawful appointment while holding those responsible accountable for their actions.