Federal University Lokoja Disclaims Endorsement of Contested Traditional Leadership Claim

The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has clarified that its recent community theatre engagement in Karaworo New Layout, Lokoja, was strictly an academic exercise and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any contested traditional leadership claim.

The clarification followed an online publication by Cascade Communication Network, dated October 17, 2026, titled “FUL, Etsu Lokoja Palace Deepen Partnership for Community Development.” The university said the report had raised concerns about its perceived recognition of a traditional leadership claim reportedly under dispute.

In a disclaimer published on October 18, 2026, the university stated that the publication was neither officially endorsed by the institution nor published on any of its official platforms. It added that the report's title, content and framing should not be attributed to the university or regarded as its official position on traditional leadership matters in Lokoja.

The university explained that its engagement with the Karaworo New Layout community was conducted exclusively for academic and educational purposes through the Department of Theatre Arts.

According to the institution, the exercise forms part of THA 304 (Community Theatre), a course undertaken by 300-level students during the second semester of each academic session. The course provides students with practical experience in community theatre, participatory performance, cultural interaction and the application of theatrical knowledge to community development.

FUL noted that the department had conducted similar academic engagements in other communities, including Adankolo, Lokongoma and Ganaja, working with relevant community representatives and traditional authorities to facilitate students' learning and promote constructive community relations.

The university disclosed that its first engagement in Karaworo New Layout took place in June 2026. At the time, the department said it was unaware of any existing dispute concerning the traditional leadership position associated with Mr Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda Shelika, who was introduced to the department in a traditional leadership capacity.

FUL stressed that neither the university nor its Department of Theatre Arts intended to recognise or endorse Mr Emmanuel Akamisoko Daudu Shelika as the Etsu Nupe of Lokoja, validate any disputed traditional title or confer legitimacy on a contested claim to traditional authority.

It also maintained that the engagement was not intended to undermine, displace or disrespect any duly constituted traditional institution or authority.

The university further clarified that the title and presentation of the online report did not constitute an official pronouncement on the legitimacy of any traditional stool. It urged the public to distinguish between academic engagement with a community and institutional endorsement of a traditional leadership claim.

Reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence, peaceful coexistence, respect for constituted authorities and constructive community partnerships, FUL said its community-based academic activities were designed to fulfil educational and social responsibilities without inflaming disputes or taking sides in traditional leadership disagreements.

The institution expressed regret over any misunderstanding arising from the publication and reiterated that the Karaworo New Layout engagement was undertaken exclusively for academic purposes.

The statement was signed by Dr Tosin Olagunju, Director of the Directorate of Strategic Communication and Corporate Documentation at the Federal University Lokoja.