By Samson Obande,  Lafia

The Alago community of Ibi, under Azara Development Area in Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, is appealing to the state government to elevate its traditional stool from a village head to at least a 3rd class chiefdom as part of the ongoing creation of new districts and chiefdoms.

The appeal came as the community recently held a grand celebration in honor of its traditional ruler, Alhaji Yahaya Egwa, the Osibi of Ibi, who marked 52 years on the throne of his forefathers.

In a congratulatory message during the event, a prominent son of Ibi said: “The 52-year reign of the Osibi of Ibi reflects his wisdom and the grace of Almighty Allah. Congratulations to the revered traditional ruler and to the resilient people of Ibi, Azara Development Area, Awe LGA, Nasarawa State.”

But for the people of Ibi, the celebration underscores a deeper concern — the perceived neglect and downgrading of their traditional institution.

According to oral tradition, Ibi was the eldest among the Alago brothers who founded major Alago settlements including Keana, Doma, Agwatashi, Obi, Aloshi, Assakio, Agaza, and Owena.

More than 800 years ago, he led his siblings across the River Benue in search of fertile lands.

Community leaders noted that during the administration of the late Solomon Lar in the 1980s, when Plateau State included present-day Nasarawa, Ibi was recognized as a district on the same day as Azara. The development was celebrated with fanfare over 40 years ago.

“Today, Azara has risen to have a 1st class traditional ruler for more than 20 years and also serves as the administrative headquarters of Azara Development Area, while Ibi was stripped of its district status after the creation of Nasarawa State, for reasons only God knows,” said Danjuma Amirikpa Joseph, Garkuwan Agwatashi, in a statement.

He added that while all other Alago towns listed above have had their traditional rulers elevated to 1st, 2nd, or 3rd class status, “the Osibi of Ibi remains a village head and is struggling in neglect.”

Joseph further recalled that out of compassion and brotherhood, the people of Ibi generously gave part of their land to Ribi for settlement. 

“Ironically, the situation has reversed — Ribi now oversees Ibi and has a 2nd class traditional ruler. What a contradiction,” he said.

As the Nasarawa State Government moves to create new districts, chiefdoms, and upgrade traditional institutions, the Ibi community is earnestly appealing for consideration.

“We appeal that Ibi be considered for elevation to a recognized and substantive traditional institution befitting its history as a founding Alago settlement,” Joseph stated.

He said such recognition would not only restore the dignity of the Ibi stool but also strengthen unity and give due honor to the contributions of the community to Alago heritage.