Kayoka threatens legal action over VaGciriku chief decision
Following urban and rural development minister Erastus Uutoni’s pronouncement that Felix Muraghuli Mashika is the legitimate heir to the VaGciriku throne, Bartholomeus Aruvita Kayoka, a contender for the throne, expressed disappointment with the decision.
He has indicated his intention to potentially pursue legal action by taking the matter to court.
In a recent statement to the media, Kayoka argued that Uutoni’s decision emanated from bias during the investigation that was conducted by a committee entrusted to investigate the chieftainship battle.
"We are not surprised about the latest announcement that Uutoni made on 8 August through emailed letters to the three parties involved in the dispute," Kayoka stated.
"This decision by Uutoni is consistent with the bias that has been displayed from the beginning.”
Unsatisfied with decision
He added: "We therefore categorically deny that what is contained in the letter Uutoni wrote is a true representation of the Gciriku traditional community customary law."
He said he is ready to prove to a competent forum that the design of the questions used by the investigation committee "were only intended to achieve a certain outcome."
Moreover, he added: "Living in a democratic and free Namibia where the rule of law is supreme, we the VaGciriku Royal Family would like to call upon the Namibian nation at large and the Gciriku community in particular to remain calm and peaceful because this decision stands to be reviewed by a competent court and be set aside."
Protracted battle
Namibian Sun recently reported that Uutoni declared Mashika the legitimate heir to the VaGciriku throne following a probe into the matter.
The probe was necessitated after the ministry received more than one application for the succession of the late Chief Kassian Shiyambi, who died in November 2019.
Following the finalisation of the probe, Uutoni informed VaGciriku Traditional Authority chairperson Chrysantus Likoro of his decision.
"I therefore hereby resolve that, in order for government to ensure that the Gciriku Traditional Authority upholds, promotes and preserves the culture, tradition and traditional values of its community, the will of the late Chief Shiyambi – nominating Mashika to be his successor – should be adhered to and respected."
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He has indicated his intention to potentially pursue legal action by taking the matter to court.
In a recent statement to the media, Kayoka argued that Uutoni’s decision emanated from bias during the investigation that was conducted by a committee entrusted to investigate the chieftainship battle.
"We are not surprised about the latest announcement that Uutoni made on 8 August through emailed letters to the three parties involved in the dispute," Kayoka stated.
"This decision by Uutoni is consistent with the bias that has been displayed from the beginning.”
Unsatisfied with decision
He added: "We therefore categorically deny that what is contained in the letter Uutoni wrote is a true representation of the Gciriku traditional community customary law."
He said he is ready to prove to a competent forum that the design of the questions used by the investigation committee "were only intended to achieve a certain outcome."
Moreover, he added: "Living in a democratic and free Namibia where the rule of law is supreme, we the VaGciriku Royal Family would like to call upon the Namibian nation at large and the Gciriku community in particular to remain calm and peaceful because this decision stands to be reviewed by a competent court and be set aside."
Protracted battle
Namibian Sun recently reported that Uutoni declared Mashika the legitimate heir to the VaGciriku throne following a probe into the matter.
The probe was necessitated after the ministry received more than one application for the succession of the late Chief Kassian Shiyambi, who died in November 2019.
Following the finalisation of the probe, Uutoni informed VaGciriku Traditional Authority chairperson Chrysantus Likoro of his decision.
"I therefore hereby resolve that, in order for government to ensure that the Gciriku Traditional Authority upholds, promotes and preserves the culture, tradition and traditional values of its community, the will of the late Chief Shiyambi – nominating Mashika to be his successor – should be adhered to and respected."
[email protected]
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