Residents of Arak Chiefdom in Sanga local government area of Kaduna State have expressed shock and dissatisfaction over the recent deposition of their traditional ruler, His Highness Brig.-General Iliya Aliyu Yammah (rtd), by former Governor Nasir el-Rufa’i.
The Acting President of the Numana Community Development Organisation (NCDO), Comrade Ahmed Manzo D. G., in an issued press statement signed on behalf of the community, urged the State Governor, Uba Sani to address their concerns and restore the deposed traditional ruler’s position.
The community argued that the reasons provided by the State government for the deposition, including an alleged unauthorised appointment of four district heads and non-residence within the domain, are not substantial enough, and were not thoroughly investigated.
The decision has sparked controversy among the community members, who believe the deposition was unjust and based on false allegations.
According to the residents, the claims of unauthorised appointments are inaccurate, saying that the State government, however, without proper investigation, misunderstood this action as the creation of new districts and appointment of district heads by the traditional ruler.
Regarding the accusation of non-residence within his domain, the residents said the accusation that he operated from Abuja outside the chiefdom is considered baseless, and clarified that prior to his installation in August 2018, the traditional ruler underwent a medical procedure in the USA, which afterward required rehabilitation and post-surgery management that involved visiting Abuja three times a week. It said the traditional ruler had requested a flexible working arrangement to Abuja, a request that was approved by former Governor el-Rufa’i.
The residents further raised concerns regarding the treatment their traditional ruler received from the former governor, which they perceive as a violation of existing laws. They further lamented that additionally, since the creation of Arak Chiefdom in 2022, the royal father’s salary and those of the palace workers have been withheld without explanation.
The residents of Arak chiefdom are therefore, appealing to Dr. Uba Sani as the Executive Governor of Kaduna State to rectify the errors made by his predecessor by reviewing the deposition and reinstating their respected traditional ruler, whom they said continues to enjoy the support and admiration of the entire chiefdom. They also request that the outstanding salaries owed to the royal father and his staff be paid promptly.
