Withdraw recent upgraded traditional stools – ICDA to Yahaya Bello

By Gabriel B Agbonika

The Igala Cultural Development Association (ICDA), an umbrella of all non-political and non- religious organizations representing the entire Igala people in Kogi State, has reacted angrily to the recent purported upgrading of traditional stools by the State Government.

The Association, through its Chairman and Secretary, has sent a protest letter to Governor Yahaya Bello requesting him to withdraw urgently the announced list of upgraded traditional stools early this week.

The protest letter, dated 21/10/2021 and signed by Comrade Omata, E. E.and Dr.S.Mohammed, Chairman and Secretary respectfully, requested the Governor to set up a review panel that would revisit the matter and make appropriate recommendations for approval by the State Executive Council in the interest of peace and justice for the State.

According to the Association, the recent purported announcement by the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Mr Ozigi Mohammed Deedat, on the matter has generated a lot of anger and outrage instead of goodwill for the government. Part of the letter stressed, “the released list of upgraded traditional stools is fraught with inequalities, unfairness and very far from dispensing justice.

“The efforts from this regard has dealt a grave blow on the supposed ranking of your Excellency as a detribalized individual.”

The Association believes that the setting up of a review panel would take into cognisance the need for the Area Traditional Councils and stakeholders to make proper input into the review exercise in the interest of equity, fairness and justice.