Lokoja Council Orders Stoppage of Planned Nupe Natives Day Celebration, Coronation of Etsu Nupe of Lokoja »

The Lokoja Local Government Council has disapproved the proposed coronation and celebration of the Etsu Nupe of Lokoja, originally scheduled to take place on December 21, 2024.

In a letter signed by the council chairman, Comr. Abdullahi Adamu, and dated December 19, 2024, the council expressed its concerns over the event, citing cultural and historical discrepancies. According to the statement, the title of Etsu Nupe of Lokoja is considered alien to the traditions and culture of Lokoja and could potentially incite a significant crisis.

“The proposed title of Etsu Nupe of Lokoja has no historical basis and is not recognized within the traditional institution of Lokoja. Allowing such an event to take place does not arise,” the letter read.

The council emphasized its constitutional authority to oversee actions by individuals and organizations within the local government area. It also directed the individuals behind the coronation to desist from parading the title and informed them that security agencies had been notified of the council’s stance.

The letter was copied to all relevant security agencies to ensure compliance and maintain order.

The disapproval comes as the Nupe natives in Lokoja had planned their 2024 Cultural Fiesta for the same day. However, the council’s decision now casts uncertainty over the celebration.

Efforts to reach the organizers of the proposed coronation for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.