Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has issued a stern warning to traditional rulers in the state, cautioning them against acts that undermine peace, development, and their stewardship roles.
Speaking during a meeting with traditional rulers at the EXCO Chambers, TY Danjuma House, Jalingo, on Thursday, August 28, 2025, the governor decried practices such as the indiscriminate sale of land, unauthorized consent for illegal mining, arbitrary conferment of chieftaincy titles, and unvetted appointments of Fulani Ardos.
Governor Kefas said any ruler found guilty of such actions would face suspension, deposition, or prosecution, stressing that “nobody is above the law.”
He emphasized the critical role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, stability, and community development, urging rulers to act as bridges between government and their people.
“You must protect your communities with vigour, seek government approval before appointing Ardos or conferring titles, and always promote dialogue and stability,” Kefas told the monarchs.
The governor also disclosed plans to review the conduct of traditional rulers, with consequences awaiting those found wanting.
Reacting to the meeting, public affairs analyst Rikwense Muri commended the governor for addressing sensitive issues with courage, but stressed that leadership requires more than cautionary warnings.
“Traditional rulers are not only custodians of culture and traditions but also vital intermediaries between government and grassroots communities,” Muri noted.
“Engagements should serve as platforms for dialogue and consultations, not just directives. By listening to challenges through traditional institutions, government can craft more inclusive and practical policies.”
The meeting is part of Governor Kefas’s broader strategy to strengthen governance, foster dialogue, and protect Taraba’s communities from insecurity and exploitation.
