Nupe Leaders Disown Emmanuel Dauda Shelika as Etsu Nupe Lokoja

By : Ahmed Dan Asabe, Lokoje 

The leaders and elders of Nupe in Lokoja, under the auspices of Lokoja Indigenous Peoples' Union, have denied the existence of a traditional title known as Etsu Lokoja or Etsu Nupe Lokoja. This declaration was made while addressing newsmen at a press conference.

Rajab Naibi Dan Maje of Lokoja and Secretary, Waziri Hasken Nupe Chairman, alongside Barr. Sayadi Abubakar Ebaiye, Secretary, Nupe Community Lokoja, challenged Mr. Emmanuel Dauda Shelika, who recently proclaimed himself as the traditional ruler with the title of "Etsu Lokoja or Etsu Nupe Lokoja." The group emphasized that Shelika appointed himself unilaterally and has been parading himself in the news media in that capacity.

The Nupe leaders stated that they have never had any chieftaincy title known as Etsu Lokoja or Etsu Nupe Lokoja. They described Shelika's claim of being a descendant of the bearer of that title as a fallacy, which has been affirmed by the courts, from the High Court of Justice to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The group also accused Shelika of forming an association known as "Nupe Natives of Lokoja Development Association" without their consent, collecting donations from unsuspecting victims, and transmitting his personal opinion to the government. They revealed that they have written several letters to the government and relevant agencies to create awareness about Shelika's activities and motives.

Furthermore, the Nupe leaders accused Shelika of being an impostor by claiming to be the custodian of the European Cemeteries in Lokoja and the tombs of deceased Northern Emirs. They advised prospective tourists to contact the Palace of the Maigari of Lokoja or other relevant institutions for proper guidance.

The group categorically stated that Shelika is neither a traditional ruler nor the leader of the Nupe Natives/Indigenes of Lokoja, and they have not mandated him to represent them in any capacity. They advised Shelika to comply with the order of Lokoja Local Government, which stops him from parading himself as a traditional ruler.