In a spirited demonstration against what they perceive as a threat to their cultural heritage, Taraba indigenes, particularly the Kuteb community, have risen in protest against the proposed rotation of the Ukwe Takum traditional stool. The resistance stems from a government initiative aimed at introducing a rotational succession plan for the Ukwe Takum stool, involving multiple ethnic tribes within the Takum Local Government Area.
The Kuteb community, the traditional occupiers of the Ukwe Takum stool, has expressed strong opposition to the government’s plan, viewing it as an encroachment on their cultural identity and a deviation from historical norms. The controversy has sparked debates about the preservation of traditions, the influence of state-sponsored cultural changes, and the role of politicians in shaping cultural practices.
The Ukwe Takum traditional stool, which became vacant 28 years ago, has traditionally been held by the Kuteb ethnic group since the documentation of the region’s history in 1856. However, following the demise of the last Ukwe holder, internal disagreements within the Kuteb community delayed the succession process, leading to the government’s proposal for a rotational strategy involving Kuteb, Kpanzon, and Chamba tribes.
The state government suggests that each of the three tribes nominates three possible successors to the throne, with the final selection made by the government. This proposal, aimed at fostering inclusivity and fair representation, has faced staunch opposition from the Kuteb community, who argue that their tradition and cultural identity should not be subject to rotational arrangements.
Takum, serving as the traditional headquarters for the Kutebs, holds a unique significance for the community, and the Ukwe Takum stool is considered the focal point of Kuteb identity worldwide. The proposal to share the traditional stool among multiple tribes has led to a clash of cultural values, with the Kutebs vehemently resisting what they perceive as the desecration of their motherland.
While some tribes, including Chamba and Kpanzon, seem receptive to the government’s proposal, the Kuteb community remains steadfast in its objection, highlighting the importance of understanding and preserving cultural heritage. The resistance poses a challenge to the state government’s attempt to institute a rotational cultural practice, raising broader questions about the delicate balance between tradition, politics, and cultural evolution.