By Gabriel Ewepu

Residents of Bassa-Nge Kingdom in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State have expressed serious concerns over the ongoing process for selecting a new paramount ruler (Etsu Bassa-Nge), citing rising tension in the area.

The communities have appealed to the Kogi State Governor and other critical stakeholders to intervene and ensure that the traditional selection process is followed to maintain peace and harmony.

A petition submitted to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs by Abdulrahman Tanko, a lawyer representing one of the ruling houses, highlighted alleged distortions in the long-established tradition and rotational arrangement for the stool.

According to the petition, there are two ruling houses in Bassa-Nge District — the Nyakpa Ruling House (from which Amkpolo and Lerama descended) and the Etan Ruling House (from which Maiyaki Mopa and Eri descended). The arrangement is rotational, with the ruling house that produces the Etsu Bassa-Nge also determining the next Shaba of Bassa-Nge, and vice versa.

Tension escalated after a committee referred to as the “14 Gago Committee” allegedly endorsed an appointment for the new Etsu Bassa-Nge.

Stakeholders in the kingdom have warned that any attempt to bypass the established rotational principle could lead to serious conflict and threaten peaceful coexistence in the area.

They have urged the Kogi State Government, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and relevant traditional councils to ensure that the selection process remains transparent, fair, and in line with the community’s customs and traditions.

The petitioners called for urgent intervention to prevent the situation from escalating and to guarantee that the will of the people and the community’s traditional principles are respected.

As of now, the Kogi State Government is yet to issue an official statement on the matter. Community leaders hope that timely intervention will help restore calm and allow for a smooth, acceptable transition to the new Etsu Bassa-Nge.