28 Years After, Gov Agbu Kefas Installed and Presented Staff of Office to the First Class Chief of Takum, Others

28 years later, the Governor of Taraba State Dr Agbu Kefas has installed and presented staff of office to His Royal Highness, Barr Sopiya Ahmadu Gboshi as First Class Chief of Takum.

The presentation of staff of office took place on the 13th of May 2024 at the Exco Chamber, Government House Jalingo alongside two other third-class chiefs.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor observed that for nearly three decades, the vacant throne of Takum has been a symbol of division and uncertainty, expressing hope that the new development will usher in the dawn of a new era in Takum.

He noted that in recognition of the need for inclusivity, and fairness in providing good governance, his administration has taken a bold step in addressing the long-time issue of the throne.

According to him, through wide consultation and careful deliberation, his administration has established three third-class thrones in Takum; each representing the ruling houses of the area; Kpanzo, Kuteb, and Chamba as well as a rotational Chief of Takum.

The Governor urged the people to embrace the principles of reconciliation, forgiveness, and inclusivity.

While he celebrated the positive response of two of the ruling houses in Takum, the Governor acknowledged the legal recourse pursued by one of the ruling houses.

Dr Kefas said his administration remains steadfast in its commitment to increase dialogue and further consultation, recognizing the importance of the rule of law in resolving disputes and ensuring a peaceful and sustainable transition of leadership.

Dr Agbu Kefas then announced the launch of an endowment fund for the rebuilding of Takum and other areas affected by the crisis.

In his response, the First Class Chief of Takum, HRH Barr Sopiya Ahmadu Gboshi thanked the Governor for the bold step in resolving the Chieftaincy dispute of Takum and pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him.

The Third Class Chiefs; Tsohon Takum, HRH Ephraim Bala and the Kur Garbabi Chiefdom HRH Suleiman Umar Salihu were also presented with the staff of the office.

The State Chief Judge, Justice Filibus Joel Agya administered the oath of office and that of allegiance to the Royal Fathers.

At a ceremony in Takum town on the 14th of May 2024, the Governor of Taraba State Dr Agbu Kefas said that the decision to rotate the first-class chief of Takum among the three ethnic groups in the area was made with the best of intentions for inclusivity, fairness and unity of the area.

The Governor stated this on Tuesday at the Rimi Primary School Takum, while speaking at the reception of the new Chief of Takum.

Recall that on Monday the 13th of May 2024 the Governor of Taraba State Dr Agbu Kefas presented a staff of office to the new First Class Chief of Takum HRH Barr Sopiya Ahmadu Gboshi at the Exco Chamber Government House, Jalingo.

On Tuesday the 14th of May 2024, a grand reception was organized for the newly installed monarch at the Rimi Primary School Takum where people gathered to celebrate the new Chief.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor of the state Dr Agbu Kefas described the event as significant progress in the journey towards unity and adherence to the rule of law.

He noted that it is his solemn duty to uphold the principles of justice and fairness.

According to him, after the judgment was rendered on Monday, setting aside the claim of the Takum Kuteb concerning the rotation of the chief of Takum and in that light, he reaffirmed his decision to honour the rule of law and judicial processes and as such issued staff of office to the Chief of Takum as prescribed by the judgment.

Dr Agbu Kefas explained that the decision to rotate the first-class stool was made with the best of intentions.

However, the Governor urged the people not to relent in their decision to advance unity and peace.

To the newly appointed Chiefs, the Governor urged them to do justice and strive to guide their domains to greatness.

He also made a case for them to serve with integrity, compassion and steadfast dedication to the wellbeing of the people of Takum.

He implored the people to remain law-abiding and support his administration to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

To the youth and women, the Governor pledged empowerment which his administration will soon unveil.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Taraba State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, His Royal Majesty Dr Ishaku Adda Ali, called for support and collaboration of the people to the chief to keep Takum in peace and work for its development.

The Man of the Moment, the Chief of Takum, HRH Barr Sopiya Ahmadu Gboshi after appreciating the Governor for ending 28 years of Chieftaincy dispute of Takum assured that he will strive to sustain peace, unity and development of his domain.

The reception ceremony was attended by top government Functionaries.