By Simon Bako Lalong
In a matter of hours, the traditional institution in Plateau State will be enriched by another significant milestone as His Royal Highness, Miskoom Ambassador (Dr.) Yahaya Kwande, OON, ascends the throne of his forefathers as the 28th Long Kwo of Kwo Chiefdom in Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area.
A former diplomat, teacher, elder statesman, accomplished administrator, and revered community leader, Miskoom Yahaya Kwande steps into this sacred responsibility to fill the vacuum created by the transition of his predecessor, the late HRH Miskoom Fidelis Longtoe Attahiru I, who joined his ancestors about a year ago after serving the Chiefdom with dignity for three years.
His emergence has been widely acknowledged as an act of divine providence, and a fulfillment of the collective will of the people, expressed peacefully and clearly through the traditional selection process — a process devoid of rancour and embraced by the entire Kwo Chiefdom.
The town of Kwande and its environs are agog with joy and anticipation as they welcome a new monarch whose reign promises to be defined by wisdom, experience, grace, and a passionate commitment to serve his people.
This moment is not just about a coronation; it is the continuation of a journey steeped in tradition, culture, and history — a journey that speaks to the resilience, reconciliation, and unity of the Kwo people. It is particularly meaningful given the personal odyssey of the man at the centre of it all — His Royal Highness Miskoom Yahaya Kwande — whose long path to this throne exemplifies the timeless truth that “to everything, there is a season.”
Destiny, as we know, may be delayed, but never denied. It is God alone who lifts men and places them in positions of honour according to His will.
As the people of Plateau State, Nigeria, and friends across the world rejoice with Kwo Chiefdom, we must also reflect on the enduring virtues of patience, perseverance, and faith — virtues that the new Long Kwo personified throughout the long years of waiting.
Before the installation of the late Miskoom Attahiru I in March 2021, I was, by divine orchestration, given the opportunity as Governor of Plateau State to play a key role in resolving the longstanding issues that had left the Long Kwo stool vacant for an unprecedented 33 years — following the passing of Miskoom Hoomkwap Sule II in 1988.
Like many traditional succession challenges, the process of selecting a new Long Kwo had been mired in prolonged litigation, taking the ruling houses and their princes to the highest courts in the land. It was only in 2021 that closure finally came.
Understanding the urgency of healing and restoration, our administration adopted a policy of non-interference, promoting emancipation and mutual respect among the stakeholders. We encouraged the ruling houses, princes, elders, and kingmakers to engage in dialogue and reach consensus.
However, the journey was not without complications. Many of the original kingmakers had passed away, and the path forward seemed uncertain. It was at that point that we invoked a doctrine of necessity — one grounded in reconciliation and guided by wisdom — to help them come together and break the 33-year jinx.
In line with my administration’s guiding principle of upholding the sanctity of traditional institutions, I remained committed to allowing the people choose their own leaders. This posture led to the peaceful selection and installation of the late Miskoom Fidelis Attahiru I on 31st March 2021 in Ba’ap, the headquarters of Qua’an-Pan Local Government.
At that historic occasion, I reaffirmed our belief that the selection of traditional rulers must be left to the people, free of government interference. As I said then:
“We have refrained from interfering with the selection of traditional rulers as a way of ensuring that the will of the people prevails and the atmosphere for peace and tranquility blossoms in all our Chiefdoms.”
Indeed, that approach has proven successful, with no single accusation of imposition or any post-installation legal contest arising from the over 34 traditional rulers we installed — including First, Second, and Third Class chiefs — as well as numerous district and village heads.
It is therefore with deep fulfillment that I witness the coronation and presentation of staff of office to HRH Miskoom Yahaya Kwande. His emergence marks the beginning of a new era of unity, stability, and development in a Chiefdom renowned for its cultural richness and harmonious diversity. The issues of the past are behind us, and a new chapter has begun.
I have every confidence that HRH Miskoom Ambassador Yahaya Kwande will succeed in leading Kwo Chiefdom to greater heights. He brings to the throne a wealth of knowledge, global exposure, enduring goodwill, and statesmanlike leadership. His name is synonymous with diplomacy, wisdom, and integrity — traits that will no doubt define his reign.
Following his selection, the outpouring of goodwill from across Nigeria and beyond spoke volumes about the kind of leader he is and the respect he commands. His ascension is not only a gain for Kwo Chiefdom but a great asset to the Plateau State Council of Traditional Rulers and Emirs.
Providentially, he takes the throne at a time when I am serving as Senator for Plateau South and championing the National Traditional Council Bill at the National Assembly — a legislative effort to give our traditional rulers a formal role in the Constitution.
During my courtesy visit to His Royal Highness in Jos after his selection, we discussed this initiative. I was encouraged by his enthusiasm and unwavering support for the bill, which aims to empower traditional rulers to be more active in matters of security, peace-building, and community development.
As we mark this glorious moment, I offer my heartfelt prayers that God will grant His Royal Highness long life, wisdom, strength, and a peaceful reign marked by justice, prosperity, and harmony. May he rule with the same passion, compassion, and courage that have defined his life thus far.
As the Scriptures say, “The end of a matter is better than its beginning.”
Long live Kwo Chiefdom!
Long live Plateau State!
Long shall you reign, Baga Miskoom!
Senator Simon Bako Lalong, CON, KSGG.
Former Governor of Plateau State & Senator Representing Plateau South