Nyamkpa Ruling House Denies Emergence of New Etsu Bassa Nge in Kogi
The Nyamkpa Ruling House in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State has dismissed reports circulating in some quarters that a new Etsu Bassa Nge has emerged following the demise of the paramount ruler, General Abu Ali Mopa (Rtd).
In a statement issued to journalists on Sunday, by Nyamkpa Ampkolo for the Nyamkpa Ruling House described the report as false and misleading, insisting that the process for selecting a new traditional ruler is still ongoing.
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Part of the statement reads: “It may interest the public to know that the news is not true. It is a blatant falsehood aimed at misleading the general public. As is well known, there are two recognised ruling houses Etan and Nyamkpa and this has been reaffirmed following the confirmation of the committee set up yesterday.
“The Etan ruling house has already taken its turn and therefore cannot produce the next Etsu Bassa Nge. By the established rotation, it is now the turn of the Nyamkpa ruling house. All descendants of the ruling house have endorsed the candidacy of Alhaji Yahaya Lerama as the next Etsu Bassa Nge, as there is currently no other contender within the Nyamkpa lineage.”
The ruling house also attached documents relating to the ascendancy of the late Etsu, Abu Ali Mopa III (Rtd), to clarify the traditional process and reinforce its position that the next monarch should emerge from the Nyamkpa ruling house.
The statement further noted that the selection process is still underway and that no final report has been forwarded from Bassa Local Government to the state Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs.
“Therefore, any claim that a new Etsu has emerged is unfounded. Such claims are being orchestrated by individuals bent on causing confusion after realising that their attempt to impose a candidate on the entire Bassa Nge community may not succeed,” the statement added.
The Nyamkpa Ruling House also questioned the legitimacy of the committee handling the selection process, alleging that some candidates had openly expressed lack of confidence in the body.
It further argued that the constitution and inauguration of such a committee should be carried out by the Bassa Nge Traditional Council rather than the Aguma.
Describing any announcement of a new Etsu at this stage as an aberration, the ruling house urged the public to disregard reports of the emergence of a new monarch.
“We urge members of the public to disregard such announcements and celebrations. Everyone should remain calm and law-abiding while the process continues,” the statement concluded.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, MARCH 16TH 2026)
