The Kutep Yatso, the umbrella body of the Kutep ethnic group in Takum local government area of Taraba has filed a suit before the High Court in Jalingo seeking an interpretation of the existing laws on the establishment of First Class Traditional Stool in Takum.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Jalingo reports that the case was filled in Court 10 of the Taraba State High Court under Justice Ali Bappa-Abbare.
NAN reports that the plaintiff in the originating summons are Sule Audu, Auwal Ibrahim and Rimamnyang Ahmadu while the defendants are Gov. Agbu Kefas and the Attorney-General of the state.
In the suit, the group sought a declaration of the court that the Taraba State Establishment of one rotational first class chief and three third class chiefs Law No 01 of 2024 did not establish new chiefdoms in Takum.
It also sought a declaration of the court that the Taraba State Establishment of one rotational first class chief and three third class chiefs Law No 01 of 2024 did not establish the office or stool of Chief of Takum of first class grade to which a person can be appointed.
The group sought an order restraining the defendants from interfering with the stool and palace of Ukwe Takum which evolves for native laws and customs of Kutep people.
It further sought an order restraining the defendants from demolishing the palace of Ukwe Takum or taking any step to wipe away the Ukwe Takum palace.
The group specifically sought for an order restraining the defendants from interfering or exhuming the remains of past Ukwe Takum namely; Ukwe Ahmadu Gankwe, Hassan Gankwe, Ibrahim Zorto Audu Gankwe and Ali Ibrahim Kuffeng 11 from their graves in the premises of Ukwe Takum palace.
It finally seek an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the defendants from appointing any person into any of the offices listed as members of the Takum traditional council by section 3 (1) (a) of the Taraba State Establishment of one rotational first class chief and three third class chiefs Law No 01 of 2024 as no chiefdom is created for their existence by the said law.
NAN reports that no date has been fixed to entertain the matter.
NAN report that conflict over succession of traditional stool of Takum surfaced after the death of Ukwe Ibrahim Ali in 1996.
The Taraba House of Assembly passed a bill for the rotation of the first class chief and three third class chiefs in Takum. (NAN)
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