The Tangale community in Gombe State, is engulfed in tension following the rejection of Mallam Danladi Sanusi Maishanu as the Mai Tangale, the paramount traditional ruler.
The rejection came from various groups, including the Elders Forum, Community Development and Socio-Cultural Associations, and the Tangale Community Overseas.
The Tangale groups, in a joint press statement issued on Tuesday, claimed that Maishanu was not a true son of Tangale soil and thus cannot be their traditional ruler.
The statement, made available to newsmen and signed by Elder Tele K. Elsa (Secretary, Tangale Elders Forum), Mr. Reuben A. Bauna (Secretary, Tangale Community Development Association), Major B. S. Uba (rtd) (Secretary, Kwagam Tangle Socio-Cultural Association), and Mr. Lamela Umaru Lakorok (Secretary, Tangale Community Overseas), strongly refuted Maishanu’s legitimacy.
The statement reads, “It has become imperative at this point in time for the Tangale nation to make it known to the world that the person, Mal. Danladi Sanusi Maishanu is not a Tangale man; he does not carry Tangale blood in him.
“Therefore, he cannot be Mai Tangle, and the Tangale people will continue to reject him.”
The groups asserted that Maishanu’s biological parents were not of Tangale origin.
The Tangale representatives accused Governor Inuwa Yahaya of manipulating the selection process to impose Maishanu as the Mai Tangale, despite him not being a true Tangale man.
They alleged that Yahaya ignored critical background information and used government officials to ensure votes for Maishanu.
The statement also criticized the Governor for using Maishanu to disrupt the Tangale Community Development Association (TCDA) and installing a set of individuals as caretaker leaders of the socio-cultural body.
However, the Tangale people have continued to support the leadership of Mr. P. T. Gambo, who conducts General Assembly meetings with TCDA branches across Nigeria.
The Tangale community has called on the Gombe State Council of Chiefs, the State Security Service, and the Nigerian Police Force to stop recognizing and supporting Maishanu as the Mai Tangale.
They have demanded the removal of Maishanu from the palace, stating their preference for Dr. Musa Idris Maiyamba, whom they believe is the rightful heir to the throne based on their culture and traditions.
The groups warned that the situation had created significant tension and chaos within the Tangale community, and urged the National Security Adviser, Mal. Nuhu Ribadu, to intervene and press the Governor to respect the cultural heritage and wishes of the Tangale people.
“No one should make a mistake; Tangale people remain resolute and unshaken on this matter. We know our history; no one can rewrite it,” the statement concluded.