By Willies Ugo, Gombe
Dec. 15, 2025
The Tangale Community Overseas (TCO) has expressed unwavering support for Dr. Musa Idris Maiyamba as the rightful Mai Tangle, following years of dispute over the succession to the royal throne of the Tangale people of Billiri Local Government Area, Gombe State.
In a statement forwarded to NEWSPOINTER by its Public Relations Officer, Dr. Eli Ibrahim Kerek, TCO described the community as a strong socio-cultural body representing Tangale-speaking people in Nigeria and abroad. The group emphasized that the Tangale have the exclusive right to determine their leadership in accordance with their culture and traditions.
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The statement comes in the wake of a recent Court of Appeal ruling in Maiduguri that upheld Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s controversial position on the chieftaincy dispute. According to TCO, the conflict originated from the governor’s refusal to appoint Dr. Maiyamba, opting instead to back an outsider—a move the group contends violates Tangale succession law and the 1999 Constitution, including provisions on freedom of religion, equality, and the right to self-determination in traditional leadership matters.
TCO further accused the governor of consistent bias against Tangale leaders and institutions, citing the alleged denial of Justice Beatrice Iliya from becoming Chief Justice of Gombe State due to her faith and ethnic background. The group described the Court of Appeal decision as an attempt to undermine Tangale customs and silence the collective voice of the people.
The statement highlighted that Dr. Maiyamba, a respected medical doctor, was duly selected by Tangale kingmakers in 2021 and enjoys widespread acceptance among Tangale sons and daughters both locally and internationally. “The Tangale people remain united, law-abiding, and resolute in defending their cultural heritage, dignity, and constitutional rights. Our traditions and inherent right to determine our leadership cannot be overridden,” Dr. Kerek said.
TCO also noted historical precedents where the Tangale thrived without a traditional ruler, including periods from 1680 to 1700 and 1996 to 2001, stressing that the current four-year vacancy of the Mai Tangle stool is “nothing new.” The statement addressed alleged harassment of Tangale Christians during the leadership dispute and emphasized the community’s continued commitment to lawful processes, peace, and unity.
