The National Youth wing of Boi Progressive Association (BPA), in Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, , has rejected what it described as forced inclusion to Zaar Chiefdom as well as breach of the Traditional Village Head selection
The assertion was contained in a statement jointly signed by Comrd Kalayenta Kevin. National Youth Secretary for Jonas Munaka, National Youth Chairman, made available to Journalists on Thursday in Bauchi.
The group wrote, ‘The National Youth Wing wishes to once again draw the attention of the Bauchi State Government, relevant authorities, and the general public to the continued disregard for the clearly expressed wishes of the Ayaa (Boi) people regarding our traditional and cultural identity.”
According to the Association,
“From the inception of discussions surrounding the creation of new Chiefdoms, Emirates, and Districts in Bauchi State, the Ayaa people consistently and unequivocally rejected inclusion under the Zaar Chiefdom. Our position was communicated through memoranda, petitions, press statements, rejoinders, engagements with relevant committees, and representations before constituted authorities.”
It stated that, ‘Our opposition has never been borne out of hostility towards our neighbours. Rather, it has been driven by our legitimate desire to preserve our distinct cultural identity, traditional institutions, historical heritage, and the customs that define us as a people.”
It however lamented that, “Unfortunately, despite our repeated objections and appeals, the Ayaa people have been forcefully placed under the Zaar Chiefdom through a process that ignored our collective will and aspirations. We maintain that this outcome was facilitated by a handful of politically motivated individuals who chose personal and political interests over the wishes of the overwhelming majority of their people.”
“We therefore reiterate our call on His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, to urgently revisit this matter and facilitate the immediate removal of Boi District from the Zaar Chiefdom. Justice, fairness, and democratic principles demand that the voice of the people be respected,’ it appealed.
The BPA National Youth Wing stated further that, it is equally compelled to express its deep dissatisfaction with the recent appointment involving the Boi traditional institution stating that “The appointment process, as conducted, did not comply with the established and time-honoured traditional procedures of the Ayaa people.”
According to the Association, “For generations, the appointment of a Village Head within Ayaa land has been the exclusive responsibility of the duly recognised Seven Kingmakers, who are required to deliberate and arrive at a decision in accordance with our customs and traditions. This traditional mechanism is not merely ceremonial; it is a sacred institution that guarantees legitimacy, continuity, and respect for the values of our ancestors.”
It however opined that, ‘The recent action appears to completely disregarded this established process and bypassed the authority of the recognised kingmakers. Such a departure from our customary procedures undermines the integrity of our traditional institutions and constitutes an unacceptable interference in the internal affairs of the Ayaa people.”
“We view this development as part of a broader pattern of attempts to erode, weaken, and ultimately subordinate the traditional structures that have sustained our community for generations. No society can thrive when its customs, traditions, and indigenous systems of governance are systematically ignored,” it added.
The BPA National Youth Wing then stated clearly that,”While we remain committed to peace, lawful engagement, and constructive dialogue, we cannot accept actions that undermine our identity, distort our traditions, and disregard the collective will of our people.”
It therefore called on the Bauchi State Government and all relevant authorities to immediately review the circumstances surrounding the appointment and ensure that due process is followed in accordance with Ayaa customary law and tradition.
The Association added, “Furthermore, we urge the government to engage the legitimate representatives of the Ayaa people in sincere dialogue aimed at addressing the concerns arising from our forceful inclusion in the Zaar Chiefdom. Sustainable peace can only be achieved when justice, consultation, and mutual respect guide decision-making.”
“The Ayaa people have spoken consistently, peacefully, and clearly. Our position remains unchanged: we reject inclusion under the Zaar Chiefdom and continue to demand respect for our cultural identity, traditional institutions, and right to determine our own future,’ the Association concluded.
