UNITY, HISTORY, AND CENTRALITY MUST GUIDE THE CHOICE OF AMURO LOCAL GOVERNMENT HEADQUARTERS
By Commodore Folusho Daniel (Rtd.)
The recent unease within the Amuro community over the proposed siting of the Amuro Local Government Headquarters at Takete Ide is both understandable and deeply justified. At the heart of every sustainable development effort lies equity, inclusion, and transparency. Where these are absent, discontent is inevitable.
The legitimacy of any decision, particularly one with long-term consequences for governance and community identity, depends heavily on the process through which it was reached. In this regard, the decision to name Takete Ide as the headquarters appears to lack both procedural depth and representative consultation.
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Let us consider a fundamental ethical principle: “Do not give what you would not take.” This timeless maxim should guide all public decisions, especially those affecting communal heritage, structure, and the future of generations to come.
To begin with, we must ask: Who represented Amuro on the Panel for the Okun State Proposal? The answer is Dr. David Atteh, who hails from Takete Ide—the very community now proposed as the headquarters. The next question is more critical: Who were consulted in arriving at this decision? Was the Amuro Community Development Society (ACDS), the umbrella body for all Amuro communities, consulted? No. Were our traditional rulers consulted? No. Were the Presidents of community development associations engaged? Again, no.
This absence of stakeholder engagement casts a long shadow on the credibility of the process. It suggests that the decision was not collectively owned but unilaterally influenced. While Dr. Atteh is a respected son of Amuro, even he would agree that such weighty decisions require collective wisdom and consent.
Let us evaluate some important parameters that should guide such a consequential choice:
1. Traditional Hierarchy:
Amuro has a well-known traditional order. The selection of the Alamuro, for instance, follows a pattern that recognizes this hierarchy. While modern governance structures do not always align perfectly with traditional systems, such cultural foundations cannot be ignored, especially in matters of communal administration.
2. Historical Precedence:
Has Takete Ide ever historically served as the headquarters of Amuro? The answer is no. The absence of historical precedent raises questions about the merit of its selection.
3. Population Factor:
Is Takete Ide the most populous among Amuro’s seven constituent communities? It is not. Even if it were, population alone should not override fairness and the need for broad consensus.
4. Geographic and Strategic Centrality:
A strong argument exists for siting the headquarters in a geographically central location to ensure ease of access and promote interior development. Kajola, for example, stands out as a central and symbolically significant location. It hosts the oldest primary school established for the entire Amuro community—a testament to its foundational role in our collective history.
5. Proximity Concerns:
The idea that Amuro’s headquarters should not be close to Mopa, the current seat of Mopamuro LGA, does not hold strong ground. Across Nigeria, there are many examples of neighboring headquarters in close proximity. What should matter more is the fairness, convenience, and symbolic unity the chosen site represents.
In light of these considerations, I believe the proposed siting of the headquarters at Takete Ide is a mistake—one that must be addressed promptly. Thankfully, the proposal has not passed its first reading, and the Okun Development Association (ODA) has already indicated that amendments are welcome.
It is time for the Amuro Community Development Society to rise to its responsibilities by convening an emergency meeting, bringing together all relevant stakeholders—traditional leaders, youth groups, women leaders, and community representatives—to deliberate and reach a consensus grounded in unity, justice, and centrality.
Going forward, we must embrace the following guiding principles:
Unity First: All decisions must prioritize the collective unity of Amuro.
No Community Left Behind: Every community, regardless of size or influence, must be heard and respected.
Due Process Is Non-Negotiable: Sustainable development can only rest on a foundation of fairness and transparency.
As we deliberate on this matter, we must remain conscious of the future. This conversation is not just about geography—it is about legacy. What we decide today will shape how Amuro is governed and remembered tomorrow.
Let us build wisely and with posterity in mind.
“Oh Lord, into Thy hands we commit the unity and prosperity of Amuro. Help us to build an Amuro where no one is oppressed.”
— Amen.
May our actions today be vindicated by the history of Amuro tomorrow.
Long live the Amuro Community.
Long live Okunland.
