Lawyers in Ukum, Katsina Alla and Logo Local Governments under the auspices of Sankera Lawyers’ Association have strongly condemned the recent disruption of the conferment of a Chieftaincy title on Prof. Sebastine Hon during the Ugondo Day Celebration.
In a strongly worded letter signed by Barr. Emmanuel Kakwagh, the President, the Association described the action of the “the Chairman of Logo Local Government Council Hon. Kav Clement and his cohorts” as “disgraceful.
Recall the local government council Chairman led thugs to stop the conferment on Prof. Hon, SAN. The Ugondo people were billed to honour him based on his contributions to growth and development of the Tiv Nation.
The Sankera lawyers wrote: “We are deeply pained that the conduct of the Council Chairman and his cronies exposed you to circumstances that are wholly undeserving of your person and stature.”
“As a people with a common goal, we encourage and promote hospitality as a core value in our cultural and allied activities; hence we view the conduct of the Logo Council Chairman as a collective assault on the image of Sankera community and the Jegal profession as a whole.”
“Your admirable sacrifices for humanity, distinguished journey in the legal profession and contributions to Tiv Nation command respect as evidenced in the conferment of the revered Chieftaincy ide of “Sema Wan U Tiv” on you by the Tiv Area Traditional Council” they noted.
They called for forgiveness even as they pledged their friendship to Prof. as he continues with his consultations on the quest to vie for the Benue state governorship seat.
In a related development, Kwande United People Organisation (KWUPO) Abuja Chapter condemned the actions of the Chairman of Logo Local Government Area, Mr. Kav Clement, in stopping the honouring of Prof. Sebastine Hon, SAN, during the Ugondo cultural event.
In a statement signed by Comr. Pius Denen Iorchir, the Secretary -KWUPO Abujaz the Association expressed deep concern because “Prof. Hon is a respected friend of Kwande and the Tiv nation, whom our organization had previously honoured in Abuja with the title Mule U Kwande Abuja in recognition of his consistent support, goodwill, and contributions to the progress of our people.”
“Any act that publicly humiliates or denies such a personality a duly approved traditional honour is therefore painful to us and offensive to the values we uphold” KWUPO said.
“The action taken in Logo represents a serious affront to Tiv culture and the authority of traditional institutions. Traditional titles are sacred community decisions, not political tools to be controlled by public office holders. The reported disruption of a peaceful cultural gathering and the alleged use of intimidation to stop a cultural honour violate the spirit of democracy, mutual respect, and freedom of association. Such conduct erodes confidence in governance and threatens the sanctity of cultural spaces meant to unite, not divide, our people” they submitted.
KWUPO Abuja sees the incidence “as an attack on the broader Tiv cultural heritage and on the principle that communities must be free to honour individuals who have contributed positively to their growth and unity. Honouring Prof. Sebastine Hon who also holds the revered title of Sema Wan U Tiv conferred by the Tiv Area Traditional Council, should never be politicized or misconstrued as an insult to any political office holder. Culture must remain above political intimidation and personal insecurity.”
KWUPO Abuja called “on the Benue State Government to clearly distance itself from this action and take steps to prevent a recurrence.”
“Tiv culture must be protected, communal decisions respected, and no authority should be allowed to suppress honour and tradition under the guise of political power” they warned.
