By Our Correspondent
Tension has continued to rise in Lafia East Development Area of Nasarawa State following the recent appointment of the traditional title of Oron Akye, a Second-Class Chief, by the state government , a move some stakeholders describe as unlawful and a clear disregard for judicial process.
The disaffection was triggered by a petition from the Ward Head of Alingani Village, Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim Atoshi, through his counsel Barrister Aliyu Idris, challenging the selection of Mr. Dalhatu Mohammed Omiya as the Oron Akye, the paramount ruler of the Akye ethnic group.
According to the petition, the selection process was unconstitutional, null, and void, having been conducted while a substantive suit No. NSD/LF27/2022 was pending before the High Court of Justice, Doma.
“The appointment was carried out in total disregard of a pending motion for interim and interlocutory injunctions duly served on the Nasarawa State Government,” the statement read.
The petition further alleged that the selection violated the rule of law, native customs, and the rotational principle enshrined in Nasarawa State Law No. 2 of 2013, which stipulates that the Oron Akye stool rotates among specific villages.
Following the demise of the late Oron Akye from Ugah Village, the petition argued, the next rightful turn was Alingani Village, under the leadership of Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim Atoshi.
It also noted that the government’s decision disregarded objections raised by several traditional rulers and concerned citizens from Alingani, Gwayaka, Kiguna, and Ugah villages, suggesting that the appointment lacks legitimacy and traditional support.
The statement further alleged that certain officials within the Ministry of Local Government, Community Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs, as well as the State Traditional Council, misled the government into taking what it described as “a contemptuous and illegal decision.”
Consequently, the counsel called on the state government to set aside the selection of Mr. Dalhatu Mohammed Omiya and to sanction all officials involved for contempt of court.
While appealing for calm, the petition assured that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man and expressed confidence that justice will prevail.
