By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The Maiyaki of Lokoja, Alhaji Ali Lawal Jiya, has called on musicians and entertainers to refrain from involving the traditional institution in political matters, emphasizing the need to preserve the neutrality and dignity of cultural leadership.
He made the call while speaking during the Hawan-Bariki ceremony held at the Paparanda Square in Lokoja on Saturday.
The ceremony, organized by the Lokoja Traditional Council to celebrate Sallah, brought together community leaders, youths, and entertainers in a festive gathering.
The call comes against the backdrop of a praise singer who has been publicly insulting supporters of a Frontline senatorial aspirant, Senator Sunday Karimi, raising concerns about the politicization of traditional and cultural platforms.
Alhaji Lawal Jiya stressed that the role of traditional rulers is to serve as custodians of culture, peace, and community cohesion, not political partisanship.
He warned that using the traditional stool for political campaigns could undermine public trust in the institution and weaken its ability to mediate conflicts.
âI urge all our youths, especially those in the entertainment industry, to respect our age-old institutions and keep politics separate from our cultural heritage,â the Maiyaki said.
He also encouraged musicians to use their influence positively by promoting societal values, peace, and unity rather than fueling political divisions.
Several entertainers present pledged to support the advice, focusing on promoting culture and community development without politicizing the palace or its leadership.
Speaking further, the Maiyaki highlighted the importance of upholding traditional values and respecting community elders, noting that cultural festivals and ceremonies are meant to unify the people, not divide them along political lines.
Community leaders present at the event lauded the Maiyakiâs intervention, saying it would help curb tensions and remind youths of their responsibilities to society.
âMusic is a powerful tool, and it can either build bridges or create rifts. We are grateful to the Maiyaki for guiding our youths towards positive engagement,â said one leader.
Some of the entertainers in attendance also expressed their commitment to adhering to the Maiyakiâs advice.
They acknowledged that mixing music with political attacks could damage their reputation and the reputation of traditional institutions that have long been pillars of unity in Lokoja.
Observers noted that the Hawan-Bariki ceremony, beyond its cultural and festive significance, provided a timely platform to address emerging social challenges, especially the growing influence of entertainers in political discourse.
The Lokoja Traditional Council reiterated its position that all traditional institutions must remain neutral, focusing on promoting cultural heritage, social cohesion, and peace within the community.
