Ron Stakeholders Rejects 1974 Gazette For Saf Ron Selection, Appeals For Governor’s Intervention

Tiri Simi Joseph, Girma Grace Samuel, Marina Dajan, Grace Izam

Ron stakeholders in Plateau State have rejected the use of the 1974 Gazette in the selection of a new Saf Ron, urging Governor Caleb Mutfwang to urgently intervene to prevent what they described as a threat to the legitimacy and cultural heritage of the Ron traditional institution.

The call was made today at the NUJ Press Centre in Jos during a press conference organised by Ron Integrity Advocacy Group, which represented the elders, stakeholders, women and youths from the 11 districts of Ron Chiefdom.

Barr. John Maton who read the press statement on behalf the group said their position followed an announcement made on Saturday, August 29, during a memorial Mass for the late Dah Lazarus Amashin Agai at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Bokkos.

According to the group, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, who represented the Commissioner at the event, announced that the government intended to proceed with the selection of the “Saf Ron Kulere” based on the 1974 Gazette.

The stakeholders argued that relying on the 1974 instrument without reviewing it would create serious problems because the circumstances under which it was enacted has changed. They particularly faulted the Gazette’s provision for rotation between Ron and Kulere, saying the arrangement was made when both were considered one chiefdom, but that Kulere and Mushere have since become separate chiefdoms.

They also challenged the electoral college contained in the 1974 Gazette, which they said recognised only eight districts, whereas the present Ron Chiefdom comprises 11 districts. The group maintained that using the old electoral structure could result in the inclusion of districts that are now under the separate Kulere and Mushere Chiefdoms.

The Ron Integrity Advocacy Group therefore called on the state government to convene an urgent stakeholders’ meeting to review the Baba S. G. Mafuyai Committee Report and other relevant historical records. It also demanded that the electoral college and selection method be updated to reflect the current 11 districts of Ron Chiefdom, while urging the government to suspend the ongoing process until outstanding historical and traditional issues are resolved.

The group appealed to Governor Mutfwang to ensure that the selection process is guided by authentic Ron customs and traditions rather than administrative convenience or political considerations. While stressing that it was seeking dialogue, fairness and peace rather than confrontation, the stakeholders warned that they would pursue all lawful avenues to protect the integrity of the Ron traditional institution if the government proceeds without addressing their concerns.