Ron Stakeholders Reject 1974 Gazette for Saf Ron Selection
By Comfort Pius,Jos
Stakeholders in Ron Chiefdom of Plateau State have rejected the proposed use of the 1974 Gazette as the basis for selecting a new Saf Ron, calling on Governor Caleb Mutfwang to suspend the process pending wider consultation and review of relevant historical records.
The stakeholders made the call on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, during a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Plateau State Council, Jos.
Barrister John Appolos Maton, who presented the press briefing on behalf of the Ron Integrity Advocacy Group, said the group was concerned that relying on the 1974 Gazette without reviewing subsequent developments could undermine the legitimacy and inclusiveness of the selection process.
The group, comprising elders, stakeholders, women and youths from the 11 districts of Ron Chiefdom, said its position followed an announcement made on Saturday, August 29, during a memorial Mass for the late Dah Lazarus Amashin Agai at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Bokkos.
According to Maton, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, who represented the Commissioner at the event, stated that government intended to proceed with the selection of the “Saf Ron-Kulere” based on the 1974 Gazette.
The stakeholders argued that the rotation provision between Ron and Kulere contained in the 1974 Gazette was formulated at a time when both communities were administered as one chiefdom, adding that the situation had changed following the creation of separate Kulere and Mushere chiefdoms.
They also raised concerns over the composition of the electoral college, saying the 1974 Gazette listed eight districts, whereas the present Ron Chiefdom comprises 11 districts.
The group argued that using the old structure could result in the inclusion of districts that are no longer part of Ron Chiefdom.
The stakeholders therefore called on Governor Mutfwang to convene an urgent stakeholders’ meeting to review the Baba S.G. Mafuyai Committee Report and other relevant historical records.
They also demanded that the electoral college and selection method be updated to reflect the current 11 districts of Ron Chiefdom.
The group urged the government to ensure that the process was guided by authentic Ron customs and traditions rather than administrative convenience or political considerations.
It further called for the suspension of the current selection process until the historical and traditional issues surrounding the stool were properly resolved through consultation.
The stakeholders warned that if government insisted on applying the 1974 Gazette in its entirety, it should, for the sake of what they described as legal consistency, first address the status of the excised Kulere and Mushere chiefdoms.
“Our cultural heritage is not an administrative commodity, and the Saf Ron stool is not an experiment in outdated governance,” the group said.
The stakeholders, however, said they were approaching the matter with a desire for dialogue, fairness and peace, while appealing to Governor Mutfwang to intervene personally to prevent what they described as an irreversible decision affecting Ron’s cultural heritage.
They added that they reserved the right to pursue all lawful avenues to protect the integrity of the Ron traditional institution should government proceed without addressing the concerns raised.