Silama Jatau, the chairman of the Lau local government council in Taraba State, Nigeria, has denied accusations that he purposefully obstructed the scheduled turbaning ceremony in Sanwi Chiefdom, calling the accusations “politically motivated and without merit.”
The Yandang Youth Development Congress (YYDC) accused the chairman of acting maliciously and unilaterally to stop the customary celebration. Jatau responded to the accusations in a statement released by his office on Tuesday.
The statement said that a direction from the Taraba State Bureau for Local Government, Traditional and Chieftaincy Affairs served as the basis for the decision to postpone the turbaning.
The installation of all District and Village Heads was put on hold until further administrative reviews and peacebuilding initiatives in the state were completed, according to a circular dated February 19, 2025.
As required by his position, the Chairman simply communicated the command. According to the statement, he lacks the constitutional power to disregard directives from the state.
In response to accusations that the chairman was acting hypocritically by taking on the customary title of Danmadamin Lau, the statement clarified that the title had no administrative power and had been granted prior to the February 19 instruction. It emphasised that the scenario is very different from the turbaning practiced by the Sanwi Chiefdom, which is covered by suspended appointments.
Jatau also rejected allegations of ethnic marginalization and political bias against the Yandang people, asserting that his administration has been inclusive, with deliberate representation of all ethnic groups, including the Yandang, in governance and development programmes.
On claims that he blocked the establishment of a police outpost in Didango Rhobi, the statement said the chairman has consistently supported security agencies in maintaining law and order across the council
Jatau encouraged the YYDC and other parties to refrain from inflaming ethnic tensions or politicizing administrative matters while advocating for a cool-headed and reasonable debate.
His admiration for the Sanwi Chiefdom, its traditional leader, Pastor Dr. Haniel Hinlewheni Banti, and all Yandang land’s peaceful residents was reiterated.
The statement said, “Although unfortunate, the turbaning ceremony was postponed in accordance with a state directive and in the greater interest of peace and due process.”
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