The Niniji Nupe Development Association (NNDA) has strongly condemned what it describes as a dangerous and unacceptable interference in the succession process for the stool of Etsu Bassa-Nge, warning that the current trend poses serious threats to peace, legitimacy and security in Bassa-Nge Kingdom and the wider Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
In a statement issued by its National President, Barrister Abdulaleem Haruna, the Association expressed grave concern over reports that the Kogi State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Honourable Muktar Muhammad Shuaibu, has become actively involved in the traditional process and allegedly presented fourteen (14) “Gagos” as the Kingmakers of Bassa-Nge Kingdom.
NNDA described that claim as false, misleading, historically unfounded and contrary to established customary practice.
“The stool of Etsu Bassa-Nge is not a political office and its succession is not a democratic contest,” the Association stated. “It is a sacred traditional institution governed by established custom, lineage and due process. Any attempt to politicize, manipulate or distort that process is a direct threat to peace and communal stability.”
The Association further expressed concern over reports that the said arrangement is being used to screen aspirants and nominate a candidate, despite what it called clear departures from tradition and protocol. It also faulted any attempt to undermine the role of the Acting Etsu, describing such a move as disrespectful to the traditional hierarchy and capable of creating a crisis of legitimacy.
NNDA warned that introducing political actors, disputed claims, and biased interests into the succession process could trigger avoidable tension, deepen internal divisions, produce multiple claimants to the stool, and lead to prolonged litigation and wider insecurity.
According to the Association, “Bassa-Nge land cannot afford a manipulated succession process. What is at stake is not just the emergence of a new Etsu, but the peace, dignity and institutional stability of the kingdom.”
The Association therefore called on the Kogi State Government, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and the Bassa Area Traditional Council to urgently intervene and restore order, neutrality and strict compliance with established customary procedure.
NNDA specifically demanded the immediate dissolution of the Committee and suspension of any process founded on the claim that 14 Gagos are the lawful Kingmakers of Bassa-Nge Kingdom, insisting that the process must revert to the recognized customary framework. It also called for the withdrawal of political office holders from any further involvement in the matter and urged full respect for the authority of the Acting Etsu pending the emergence of a substantive Etsu.
The Association appealed to all sons and daughters of Bassa-Nge, especially the youths, to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, and urged all aspirants and their supporters to avoid inflammatory conduct capable of disturbing public peace.
“Peace must prevail. Tradition must be respected. Due process must not be sacrificed on the altar of political influence,” the statement added.
