* Frowns at indiscriminate award of chieftaincy tittles on members of tribal Associations in Lokoja.
ATABOR JULIUS LOKOJA
As the recent declaration of Etsu Nupe Lokoja stool continue to ′ reactions, the Nupe indigenes under the auspices of Lokoja indigenous peoples forum have declared the stool as non existent and the occupier as an usurper and alien to the forum
Just as they kicked against indiscriminate bestowal of chieftaincy tittles on leaders of tribal Associations in Lokoja, capital of kogi state.
In a press conference held on Wednesday in Lokoja, the aboriginal Nupe leaders of thoughts and traditional title holders noted that the purported declaration of Etsu Nupe Lokoja as a chiefdom by Emmanuel Dauda Shelika was an affront and negation of due process in the matter of traditional institution in Lokoja.
In the prepared text jointly signed by the Dan Maje of Lokoja and Waziri Hasken Nupe , Alhaji Rajab Naibi and Barr.Sayad Abubakar Ebaiya Nupe community in Lokoja, Chairman and secretary respectively berated Emmanuel Shelika for unilaterally appointing and parading himself as the Etsu Nupe Lokoja .
The forum averred that the Nupes in Lokoja have been known for safeguarding age-long values of examplary character decency and respect for the rule of law and constituted Authority, adding that the people are reputed for upholding peaceful coexistence among the populace and in pursuit of their legitimate means of livelihoods.
The forum however observed with dismay that the recent activities of Emmanuel Shelika is capable of denting the image and rubbish those values that they hold dear to their hearts.
* As you are aware that Emmanuel Shelika has told the world that he has appointed himself as the traditional ruler with the tittle of Etsu Nupe Lokoja in violation of the laws of kogi state on the subject. His action not only daring but also extremely dangerous to the authority and jurisdiction of the entire chieftaincy establishment in Lokoja LGA and kogi state. His action is no doubt, capable of undermining the respect, reverence and nobility of our great traditional institution.
” Hence , the need for us , the Nupe indigenes of Lokoja to state our position on the matter. Our clarification is necessary for the urgent attention and action of government and the public to foster progress and development of Lokoja and kogi state.
* From the time immemorial we have never had chieftaincy tittle known as Etsu Nupe Lokoja, so the claim by Emmanuel Shelika that he is the descendant of the bearer of that title is a fallacy. Our position has been affirmed by the supreme court.
* We categorically say that Emmanuel Shelika did not obtain our consent before he formed an association know as Nupe Natives of Lokoja Development Association with which he has been collecting donations from unsuspecting victims purportedly on behalf of , but , certainly without our knowledge. However, we the Nupe indigenes of Lokoja have written several letters to the government and relevant agencies from 2023 to create awareness of his nefarious activities and government swiftly responded by stopping his planned celebration of Nupe Lokoja day.
* We equally condemned his recent guide to Senator Shehu Sani who visited European cemeteries in Lokoja as well as the tombs of deceased Northern Emirs who were deposed by colonial government and banished to Lokoja. His claim and press statements were visible over the visit of senator Shehu Sani.
* We therefore wish to use this medium to advise prospective tourists to contact either the Maigari palace or Lokoja LGC or ministry of culture and tourism or kogi Hotels and tourism board for proper guidance. This advice is necessary to protect them from the nefarious activities of money ritualists and hoodlums and for the avoidance of doubt we wish to reiterate that the descendant of those deposed Emirs are very much in contact with Maigari of Lokoja.” The group clarified.
While denouncing Emmanuel Shelika of being the Etsu Nupe Lokoja and the government agencies not to recognise correspondences on the subject matter from him, plead with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to take prompt and decisive action in halt the nuisances of self style Etsu Nupe Lokoja and bring him to justice in earnest.
Meanwhile, the forum advised for a meticulous approach in approving and even grading of chieftaincy titles on members of tribal Associations living in Lokoja, saying if the trend is not checked , its aims and purpose may be counter productive.
