Chiefs flay Wike over elevation of FCT traditional rulers

There is growing disquiet among many ungraded chiefs, often referred to as Mai-Anguwa in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following the recent elevation of all graded traditional rulers in the territory. On Tuesday, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, announced the promotion of all graded traditional stools without mentioning those that remain ungraded.  Speaking in Abaji, Wike […]

There is growing disquiet among many ungraded chiefs, often referred to as Mai-Anguwa in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following the recent elevation of all graded traditional rulers in the territory.

On Tuesday, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, announced the promotion of all graded traditional stools without mentioning those that remain ungraded. 

Speaking in Abaji, Wike announced the upgrading of all second-class traditional stools across the six area councils to first-class, and all third-class stools to second-class.

The Minister stated that the announcement followed the powers conferred upon him to upgrade traditional institutions within the territory.

 He added that the monarchs did not demand the upgrades but rather deserved them.

The minister also directed the council chairman to submit a design so the FCT Administration can build a befitting palace for the Ona of Abaji, HRM Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa, who also serves as the Chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs.

Reacting to the Minister’s gesture, however, several ungraded chiefs who spoke with Abuja Metro argued that many of them should have been graded and placed on third-class status.

The chiefs, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, requested that the minister call for the list of ungraded chiefs across the six area councils and grade them based on their years of service.

“Some of us have been performing this role for as long as 20 years, but nobody has remembered us—not even with a stipend in most cases,” said one chief from the Bwari Area Council.

Another chief, while commending the minister’s gesture, pleaded with the Ona of Abaji and the various council authorities to make a case for them.

“We are closer to the people; some of these graded monarchs reach the grassroots through us. We also deserve recognition and promotion,” he said.

Responding to the general upgrade, the Ona of Abaji, Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa, thanked the Minister, stating the move was long overdue and would boost the morale of traditional rulers in the discharge of their duties.