The Kuteb people are the real owners of Takum LGA taraba state

Genesis sanda kuteb biography

Genesis sanda

South western Taraba State Nigeria and Western Cameroon

600,000 in Nigeria and 2,000 in Cameroon.

Jukun, Ichen, Tiv, Chamba, Tigon, Ndoro, Bafum

Yukuben-Kuteb in Benue-Congo classification

According to oral tradition and recorded history in colonial reports and books, there are two legendry accounts of the present day Kuteb People:

That Kuteb people originate from a man called Kuteb. Kuteb begat two sons, Ussa and Uppa. Ussa got married to Iyaka and this union yielded Likam, Ayigben (Yukuben), Acha, Arucwu, Rubur, Ticwo, Askean, and Lumbu. Uppa married Kufyentirimam and gave birth to Arufun, Bika, Atwean and Acwumam.These Grand children of Kuteb today represent the various clan names

That Likam is the originating ancestor who begat Kuteb and other sons.

, Likam and Kuteb appear in both accounts.

, the most acceptable legend is the first, which says Kuteb is their originating ancestor; hence the ethnic group uses Kuteb as their collective name of identification except,

now seems to be a seperate ethnic group for reasons in

the fact that Likam was the most senior surviving descendant among other qualities, kuteb handed over the leadership of the nation to Likam, whence other children/descendants began to see Likam as their father, as well as the emergence of the name Mbarikam (Children of Likam).

The Kuteb Nation earlier known as "Ndetirikwen" or "Zompere" is believed to migrate from Egypt into the interior of Africa under a leader called Kuteb in about 1000 BC. They moved into Central Africa and eventually to West Africa through Cameroon and settled on and around the hills of present day Takum. The name "Kuteb" eventually became the name of the tribe and the name of his sons became the name of the clans. Their first capital was Ussa Hill named after one of Kutebs sons.

At Ussa the major events that occurred include;

The earliest direction for every activity in Kuteb land revolve round the theocratic role of the

who represent the major known sub clans and extended families. Kukwen is the Chief-Priest located in Mbarikam or Ikam or Teekum and the Akwen are the minor priests who are heads of the other clans. This practice started with Kuteb himself as the paramount chief priest / King of the Kutebs.

may be chosen from any clan. However, he must, on his election, come to reside in Teekum (Mbarikam Hill) being the ward of Likam and the Headquarters of the Kuteb Nation

The traditional Kuteb political system is thus federal in nature. Even though the Kutebs recognised the seniority of Likam, the other clans had some autonomy to exercise powers of maintaining peace, protecting and achieving the interest of their respective clan members. However, such power ended where collective interest and programmes of the entire nation was to begin and where the settlement of disputes between individuals and clans were brought before the Kwe Kukwen.

In addition to the political role the Kukwen and Akwen have a spiritual role, responsibility and authority. The roles are rooted in the religious belief of the Kutebs.

which he believed were the Good spirits of the Ancestors watching over the land in order to provide protection,peace,good farm yield etc.The particular type of idol worshiped depends on the Clan/family as it is passed on from father to the most beloved Male Child. With little or no history of the original "ipien"the heir continuous the ritual until such a time that he passes it on.

The iki which is the physical manifestation of the "ipien" is being made during very special occasions e.g.the iki festival,the kuchechep festival,inauguration of the Ukwe, Burial of prominent individuals,when the Land needs cleansing; Nevertheless, the Kuteb believed in a

the maker of heaven and earth, the provider of rain, good health and harvest. They also believe that

is the intermediary between the people and Rimam, and between the people and their ancestors. And the laws governing Kuteb society are received through the Kukwen from Rimam.

Early Kutebs pay allegiance to the Kukwen as their paramount King. As such when two people are fighting and Kukwen happens to pass they must stop the fight immediately.

Today, many Kutebs are Christians with a few as Moslems.They converted to christianity as a result of the arrival in 1915 of Mr R.Whiteman and the subsequent establishment of the sudan Peoples Mission right in the heart of Kuteb land at Lupwe.The islamic Kutebs is as a result of the influence of the Hausa who came in from the North in 1930

The religious and political duties of the Kukwen, was to organise the people, give the community direction, explain to them the basis of events for good health, economic prosperity, and provide protection through law and resolve conflicts. In case of breach of law he administer oaths, preside at trial by ordeal or administer sasswood, or performed the

ritual depending on the Nature of the offence committed. The

also attends to the problems of individuals and solve them.

Administratively, although each of the clans has their respective Kukwen, they met regularly under the leadership of the

Chief priest}. He is usually the eldest among them. The chief priest may be chosen from any clan. However, he must, on his election, come to reside in Takum being the ward of Likam, possessing the rukwen cult, which is always performed at Mbarikam hill.

The Kwe kukwen has officials chosen by him. The chief official being a male is called

. Here main function is to brew ceremonial beer called

was relived of civil authority, he no longer administer oaths, does not preside at trial by ordeal or administer sasswood, as that was exclusive responsibility of the

. But on intractable cases, the Kukwen intervenes to administer the supreme Kuteb oath of rukwen. However, generally, the Ukwe and His council of elders called

the chief diviner administer oath relating to Kissi (witchcraft) cases on persons accused; If need be the entire community will be assembled at Teekum (Assembly square) to a ceremony called

(meaning elders drink on oath) to fish out witches both men and women from among them. In drinking the guilty will die not too long after if he/she fails to confess and repent. At this square the Ukwe also presided over the Council of Clan Kwes.

During this period Kuteb land witnessed increased interaction with neighbouring ethnic groups like the Tiv , Wapan, Ichen and Kpazon in the Middle Belt region. And by 1830s there were already influx of these ethnic groups from the Cameroon. These groups came in various independent groups. Each group had its leader, which was not answerable to the other. Garkie led the Dinyi/Sama Donga group. The Kashimbila group were led by Modi and Gadin, and the Tikari who were the last group to come, were led by Kumboshi. It was this last group that led the campaign of extortion, kidnappings and war that Geared the Kutebs to re-organise and face the challenges of war. The campaign by the Kumboshis also attracted the British to under study the development in the area and signed a treaty with Kuteb King Ayipte in January 1884 to ensure that law and order was restored in Kuteb land.Law and order as it were was not attain until during the reign of Ukwe Ribom(1890-1912) that the British Royal Niger Company Led by Mr Hewby Subdue the rebels. Again, at this very challenging period the Kutebs modified the role of the Kukwen. The Kukwen and the Akwen were divorced of their political role to enable Kuteb nation cope with the exigencies of the nineteenth (19th) & twentieth (20th) century civilization. The present paramount civil ruler ship of the Kuteb, which goes by the title "

was created and given political, civil and military responsibilities and authority over the people. Nevertheless, traditionally, the Kukwen installs the Ukwe before Government official installation ceremony takes place.

Below is the other tribe that join the Kuteb around the Mbarikam/(or Ikam or Takum) in order of arrival.

Ichen during the reign ukwe Andejarikwe         1775-1815Kpanzo during the reign of ukwe Andejarikwe         1775-1815Chamba during the reign of ukwe Ganza         1775-1815Hausa; during the reign of ukwe Ayipte Garaya         1855-1890Tiv during the reign of ukwe Ahmadu Gankwe I         1912-1925

Today, Kuteb kingdom is divided into Takum and Ussa Local Government Areas with quite a population in Bali,Wukari,Ibi Local Government, all Situated in the southern region of Taraba state, in Nigeria.

In the 19th century due to  population growth and inter-Tribal conflicts,members of the same clan split to form new towns like Kwesati,Tati-kumbo,Kufan Ahmadu,Lupwe,Tamiya,Tampa,Muchiya,Tutuwa,Muji and several others and of course this is the same reason for the presence of the Kuteb in the other Local Governments eg Nikin in Wukari.

The State Government created administrative Districts / Heads under the

Takum. The Ukwe Takum holds a 2ndclass staff of office and recently (2005) is upgraded to a 1stclass staff of office. The Ukwe is a member of Wukari Traditional Council and Taraba State Council of Chiefs. The seat is currently vacant following the passing away of the last occupant Alhaji Ali Ibrahim Kufang II on

(cabinet officials of the Ukwe and traditional kingmakers) namely

(Galadima Takum) responsible for receiving quests before they are permitted to see the Ukwe

5   Astwean (Kwambai,Fikyu Ndukwe,Fikyu Ndetso)

7   Atciwo (Kpambo puri,Yanki,Yashe,YIrom,Riyen)

8   Askaen (Lissam Sambo,Jato,KWesati,Yirom)

1   Mallam Obadiah Rika        -   

2    Danjuma S Nyapuru          -   

3    Late Adamu Imbre             -   

4    Mr Amamra Riki                 -   

5    Matudi Kaigama                -

The Kukwen is the religious and spiritual leader of the people.

for the position of Kukwen, the candidate must be

. That is he is not a witch. A proof for this purity is that the candidate will be given the Kukwen's blue robe to wear. Secondly he will be submerged into

(a Pool of water). Any candidate that comes out without a single drop of water on his robe is then considered to be pure in mind and in spirit he is prepared to keep the taboos associated with the office. Consequently, he will continue to wear the robe. One of the taboos for the Kukwen is that He never touches strangers or baths; if he does the land will be ruined with poverty and famine.

(Mgbe S.U 1973,1981: 76-78 more list of the taboos)

On the death of a Kukwen of outlaying clan, his successor must visit the Kwe Kukwnen at Teekum to consult and receive instruction.

The combination of the political and spiritual powers on the Kukwens and Akwen, and the efficient and effective use of it by them account for the peaceful co-existence among the Kuteb clans. The strict compliance to the taboos associated with the office of the Kukwen also account for the outsider to wrongly feel the Kutebs had no chiefs, as the Kukwen was not easily seen, even when seen, not most definitely by strangers.

In the proceeds of time as already ordain by KUTEB himself, this position is reserved for the Likam and Akente, which eventually appears that the value attached to seniority in Kuteb culture accounts for the retention of certain superiority by the Likam, and Akente the next most senior and neighbouring clan to Likam by being the source of the two royal families of Takum for the stool of Ukwe Takum. Even in modern Politics and Government, the seniority factor among the Kutebs still accounts for the need to consult the elders before final decisions are taken and acted upon.

has a level of superiority of status as a ruler amongst the other clan heads, nevertheless the Ukwe's position does not threaten or diminish the position of the Kukwens who still remains the religious and spiritual heads and also a fountain of counsel to the entire community.

Below is the list of Kuteb/Takum Kings since 1500 AD. Thus Ukwe and Kwe offices originated from the theocratic rulership of the Kukwen and the Akwen.

Ukwe Likam Kuteb I           1510-1550Ukwe Rucwu Acha I           1550-1600Ukwe Kuteb Riyang II           1600-1645Ukwe Ajunkwe Acebuy           1645-1695Ukwe Andeburga Ricwu Acha           1695-1730Ukwe Kingham Gankwe I           1730-1775Ukwe Ganza Kwetsa           1775-1815Ukwe Atirikwe           1815-1855Ukwe Ayipte Gayara           1855-1890Ukwe Ribon Ipop Gamina           1890-1912Ukwe Ahmadu Gankwe           1912-1926Ukwe Hassan A Gankwe           1926-1929Ukwe Ibrahim Kufang           1929-1938Ukwe Audu Gyaa Ahmadu Kufang II           1938-1963Ukwe Ali Ibrahim           1963-1996

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