By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Momentum is building in Lokoja for the formal recognition of the traditional stool of Etsu Lokoja, as a delegation led by the Bassa-Nge National Development Association paid a solidarity visit to the traditional ruler, Emmanuel Dauda Shelika, over the weekend.
Led by the association’s National Treasurer, Mr. Waniko Raphael, the group expressed optimism that despite facing resistance, the truth would ultimately prevail, and the revered stool would receive the recognition it deserves.
The visit to the palace of Etsu Lokoja served a dual purpose: to inform the monarch of the upcoming National Conference of the Bassa-Nge tribe, scheduled for July 30, and to deepen efforts toward fostering development within the community.
Mr. Raphael commended the warm and fatherly reception accorded to the group by Etsu Shelika and the elders in council, describing it as both touching and encouraging. He noted that the hospitality reinforced their belief in the importance of the ruler’s presence at the forthcoming conference.
“We are inspired by the depth of understanding and cultural wisdom shown by the Etsu Lokoja. His attendance at the event would be a great honour,” he said.
According to Raphael, “Light is destined to triumph over darkness. The Bassa-Nge people are resilient and have come a long way in this struggle. We believe that one day, the government will come to understand our position and act accordingly.”
He further emphasized the need for dialogue between the state and the palace to resolve the long-standing dispute over the stool’s recognition. “We are calling for engagement between both sides to reach a compromise. When that is achieved, the government will hopefully reconsider its stance,” he added.
In his remarks, the embattled Etsu Lokoja, Emmanuel Dauda Shelika, expressed gratitude for the visit, describing it as a recognition of his role and that of the Bassa-Nge people. He clarified that the quest for recognition is not a competition with any other tribe, but rather a legitimate demand for acknowledgment of a people and their culture.
