The Vaalgras Traditional Authority Council has described the coronation of Aaron Stephanus as regrettable as it did not have its approval.

Marting Biwa, the Chairperson for the Vaalgras Traditional Authority, says the traditional council is confident that it will resolve the chieftaincy succession dispute without litigation.

"This coronation brings us to the point of a divided clan, like other traditional communities. The council, in collaboration with the community, will, however, continue to put forward names of candidates for the chieftaincy throne of the Stephanus Royal House, consisting of the families of Willem and Samuel Stephanus, as per customary. The customary law also stipulates that if no suitable candidate is from the royal house, to conduct elections of those nominated as candidates and crown the one who comes out victorious. However, we do not want to take the election route; we want to reach a consensus on who will lead the clan."