28 Years after, Takum Gets New Paramount Ruler

Wole Ayodele in Jalingo

Twenty-Eight years after the demise of the last paramount ruler of Takum, Ukwe Ali Ibrahim Kufang Ii, a new Ukwe has finally been selected according to Kuteb culture and tradition.

In a press statement released by the Kuteb leadership and signed by Fili, the new crown prince has been enthroned after undergoing all the basic rites of ascension to the paramount throne of Ukwe Takum.

Ukwe Takum, according to the release, is the paramount ruler of Takum and the spiritual leader of the Kuteb people who are a Jukunoid tribe of Southern Taraba and ancient Kwarrarafa Kingdom.

The new Ukwe, according to the press release, would be presented to the state government for recognition and preparation towards presentation of the staff of the office.

Failure to fill the vacant stool of Ukwe Takum, which is a first Class stool since 1996, according to the Kuteb leaders, was due to the laxity and lack of commitment by successive Taraba State’s governors despite recommendations by series of committees of enquiries that affirmed that the paramount throne of Ukwe Takum is the exclusive preserve of Kuteb.

“Takum flourished under successive Ukwes until about 28 years ago when the last Ukwe joined his ancestors. Since then the throne had been vacant.

“While lack of ascension to the throne was deemed to be from 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 also knew that the delay was partly due to the long process that it could sometimes take for the ancestors to select the right person from the ruling Kuteb families for the throne.

“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. He has undergone all the basic rites of ascension to the paramount throne of Ukwe Takum and has since been enthroned.”

 The Kuteb leaders noted that the development has brought so much joy and happiness across Takum and its environs, which has been attested to by a cross section of all the inhabitants of Takum.

The leaders further noted that the selection of the new Ukwe was divinely timely, and in accordance with the ancient landmarks that predate when the seat was upgraded to third class seat by the colonial masters.

“It is pertinent to note here that tradition and culture of a people transcends government and cannot be modified, exchanged or erased. It cannot be mixed with any other culture or tradition or adulterated by any alien ideology or self-serving interest.

“Therefore, tradition is the right and identity of a people and their exclusive preserve. We wish to state emphatically that the throne of the paramount Ukwe Takum is not a commodity for trade. Therefore, consultation outside the tradition is meddlesome.

“There was no meddling by government during the selection and installation of Aku Uka and Gara of Donga who are both first class monarchs of Wukari and Donga respectively. The two were only presented to government for presentation of the staff of office after traditional rites. The case of Ukwe Takum, equally a first-class monarch, cannot be different.”