A fresh controversy has erupted in Jos following the announcement of the conferment of the traditional title "Sarkin Yakin Jos" (War Commander of Jos ) on Rt. Hon. Baba Akawu by a group identifying itself as the Forum for Concerned Jos Community Elders & Stakeholders.

A letter dated July 23, 2026, signed by the group's Chairman, Alhaji Sanusi Mato, and Secretary, Prof. Abdulkadir Sulaiman, stated that the title was unanimously endorsed by the Hausa/Fulani community in Jos in recognition of Baba Akawu's contributions to justice, equity, and service to humanity.

The planned conferment has drawn strong criticism from One Plateau, One Voice, a socio-political advocacy group, which described the move as unacceptable and capable of creating tension in the state.

In a statement issued on Friday, the group rejected what it called the conferment of a "so-called award of Sarkin Yakin Jos," arguing that no Hausa/Fulani group has the authority to bestow a traditional title associated with Jos.

The group questioned the legitimacy of the title, asking:

"At what point exactly will a group of Hausa people sit down and officially confer a chieftaincy title on someone?"

According to the statement, the indigenous ownership of Jos rests with the Afizere, Anaguta, and Berom ethnic groups, and therefore, only the recognized traditional institutions representing those indigenous communities possess the authority to create or confer traditional titles linked to Jos.

The group also raised security concerns, alleging that the planned conferment could inflame existing ethnic tensions in the state.

It consequently called on security agencies—including the Special Task Force (STF), the Plateau State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—to intervene and prevent any breakdown of law and order.