By Sunday Elijah,
The Tangale people of southern Gombe in Nigeria’s Middle Belt have insisted that Dr. Musa Idris Maiyamba remains their rightful traditional ruler. The statement comes days after the Court of Appeal in Maiduguri issued a judgment favoring Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s position in the ongoing chieftaincy dispute.
In a statement, the Tangale Community Overseas (TCO) said the court ruling attempts to override centuries of Tangale customs and history. “The Tangale people do not and will not recognize any impostor. His presence in Poshiya is unwanted, unaccepted, and illegitimate,” said Dr. Eli Ibrahim Kerek, TCO’s Public Relations Officer. The community has pledged to appeal the judgment to the Supreme Court.
The Tangale insist that Dr. Maiyamba, a respected medical doctor, was duly selected in 2021 by the community’s kingmakers according to traditional customs. His appointment, they argue, reflects merit and consensus within the Tangale nation. Governor Yahaya’s refusal to install him, they claim, undermines Tangale traditions and violates constitutional protections, including freedom of religion and the right to self-determination in traditional leadership matters.
The TCO statement also highlights broader concerns of political and ethnic interference in local governance. It cites past incidents, including discrimination against Tangale individuals in public office and neglect of critical infrastructure such as the General Hospital Billiri. The community describes these actions as part of a recurring pattern aimed at marginalizing the Tangale people in the region.
Despite these provocations, the Tangale community maintains a commitment to peace, lawful conduct, and unity. Dr. Kerek emphasized: “Our restraint is not weakness—it is proof of maturity, discipline, and commitment to the rule of law. We are one people—guided by our customs, protected by our history, and destined to remain free, dignified, and sovereign.”
The TCO also reaffirmed the legitimacy of the Tangale Community Development Association (TCDA), which recently elected Comrade Danladi Bako as National President. The community intends to continue its advocacy for Tangale interests both domestically and among the diaspora, including efforts to protect cultural heritage and advance development initiatives in Tangale land.
The ongoing dispute has drawn attention to the challenges faced by minority ethnic groups in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, highlighting the intersection of politics, tradition, and religious identity. Analysts say the Tangale response reflects a broader push by communities across Africa to assert their rights to self-determination and preserve cultural heritage against external interference.
As the Supreme Court appeal looms, the Tangale people call on both local authorities and international observers to respect their customs and support a resolution that honors tradition, justice, and peace.
