In a significant ruling, the Plateau State High Court in Jos has nullified the appointment of Zakka Gunok Samben as the village head of Garah in Bokkos Local Government Area. The court found that his selection violated the customs and traditions of the Garah people.
Justice B. S. Ngyou delivered the judgment in a case brought by Useni Dashwar and Benjamin Mwolshakat, stating that Samben and his Vokorpopang family are not part of the ruling house in Garah village. The court issued an order preventing Samben from parading himself as the village head.
This decision resolves a longstanding controversy over the Mishkam Gara stool, which had caused significant disputes among various families in the area. According to the court’s ruling, Benjamin Mwolshakat of the Fel ruling house is to be installed as the village head of Garah in the Mushere District, in accordance with the customs and traditions of the Mushere people.
The controversy over the stool led Mwolshakat to file a suit at the state High Court, challenging Samben’s installation. Mwolshakat argued that only the Fel and KHG ruling houses are eligible and qualified to select the village head of Garah.
With this ruling, the court has reaffirmed the importance of adhering to traditional customs in the selection of community leaders, aiming to restore peace and order in Garah.
