Fako Division, Southwest Region - Traditional rulers of the Southwest Region have expressed their deep concerns in response to a directive issued by the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) for Fako, Viang Mekala, mandating the presence of all traditional rulers at the upcoming Unity Day celebrations scheduled for May 20, 2025.
In a recent memo dated May 15, 2025, the SDO underscored that traditional leaders of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class chiefdoms must be present at the grandstand during the celebrations, warning of disciplinary repercussions for any unjustified absence. The missed presence would involve requests for explanations and potentially lead to formal disciplinary actions.
In an open letter addressed to the elites and the people of the Southwest Region, traditional leaders articulated their grievances regarding the SDO's directive. They highlighted the concern over a previous instruction from the Governor of the Southwest Region, which insisted that traditional rulers should hold signposts identifying their villages while marching at the event. The traditional rulers described this requirement as humiliating and a disservice to their status as sacred custodians of customs and heritage.
“The chieftaincy is recognized by our laws and customs and deserves honor in every public setting. Comprehensively, our chiefs are neither classroom pupils nor administrative subordinates; they are symbols of heritage and sovereignty,” the letter stated.
The traditional rulers called upon their peers to maintain their dignity and resist being reduced to mere figureheads during national events. They recommended that youth representatives could carry village signboards while chiefs should oversee proceedings with the respect they deserve.
The leaders are urging the authorities to reconsider their approach, advocating for a more culturally sensitive protocol that acknowledges the importance of traditional institutions in promoting unity and cohesion in the community.
The ongoing discourse emphasizes the need for a balanced understanding between the local government’s expectations and the respect due to traditional institutions. As Unity Day approaches, both the traditional rulers and the SDO's office remain in a dialogue aimed at honoring the role of customs in the fabric of the Southwest Region’s identity.
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