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CULTURE: Lau Council Chairman Denies Wrongdoing in Sanwi Turbaning Controversy.


By Jako,July 28, 2025

The Chairman of Lau Local Government Area, Hon. Nigeria Silama Jatau, has debunked claims made by the Yandang Youth Development Congress (YYDC), which accused him of deliberately halting the turbaning ceremony of the Sanwi Chiefdom scheduled for July 26, 2025.

In a strongly worded rejoinder released by the Office of the Chairman, Jatau clarified that the decision to suspend the event was not personal, but a directive from the Taraba State Bureau for Local Government, Traditional and Chieftaincy Affairs—the body charged with regulating activities in traditional institutions across the state.

"I Acted on State Orders, Not Malice" – Jatau

According to the statement, the Chairman merely relayed the content of an official circular dated February 19, 2025, which suspended the installation of District and Village Heads in all chiefdoms under Lau LGA. The directive, the Chairman argued, also implicitly affected other traditional appointments that could undermine ongoing peacebuilding efforts in volatile communities.

“The Chairman does not have the powers to override state directives or selectively apply them. The decision affected all chiefdoms equally and was not targeted at the Sanwi Chiefdom or the Yandang people,” the statement noted.

Response to Allegations of Hypocrisy

The YYDC had earlier criticized Jatau for accepting the title of Danmadamin Lau from the Chief of Lau on March 30, 2025, claiming it contradicted the suspension directive. However, the Chairman’s office clarified that the title was conferred before the February circular and held no administrative authority, unlike the roles affected in the Sanwi event.

On Allegations of Marginalization

Dismissing accusations that his administration marginalizes the Yandang people, Hon. Jatau described the claim as a baseless attempt to stoke ethnic division. He emphasized that his leadership has remained inclusive, with deliberate representation of various ethnic groups in Lau LGA.

He also described as “false and defamatory” the claim that he obstructed a planned police outpost in Didango Rhobi. The statement pointed to Jatau’s track record of collaboration with the Nigeria Police, DSS, and Civil Defence Corps to strengthen local security.

A Call for Responsible Engagement

While acknowledging the right of youth groups to engage in public affairs, the Chairman advised the YYDC to desist from “politically orchestrated narratives and personal attacks,” urging them instead to pursue constructive dialogue.

Commitment to Peace

Concluding the statement, Hon. Jatau reaffirmed his respect for the Sanwi Chiefdom and His Royal Highness, Pastor Dr. Haniel Hinlewheni Banti, describing the postponement of the ceremony as “regrettable but necessary in the interest of peace and legality.”

He called on the people of Lau to remain calm and united, emphasizing that his office remains committed to justice, equity, and transparent governance.

The controversy surrounding the turbaning postponement has stirred widespread debate in Lau LGA, but this latest clarification from the Chairman may bring new perspectives to the ongoing discourse.

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