June 24, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
The Adamawa State Government has stripped former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of his Waziri Adamawa title, citing a new requirement that all kingmakers and council members must be indigenes of their respective chiefdoms.
According to a circular signed by Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs, “Following the creation of new Chiefdoms in the state by the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, I am directed to inform you that all Kingmakers and Council members in the state must be indigene of their Chiefdoms.”
The circular specified that “all Kingmakers and Council members from Adamawa Emirate Council must be indigene of Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song and Zumo Districts.”
This move effectively disqualifies Atiku, who hails from Jada Local Government Area under the Ganye Chiefdom, from holding a title within the Adamawa Emirate Council.
The decision has raised speculation about a rift between Atiku and Governor Umaru Fintiri, who were former allies during the 2023 general elections.
Atiku’s recent involvement in opposition coalition talks with Fintiri’s rival, Aishatu Binani, may have contributed to the tension.
A controversial executive bill currently before the Adamawa State House of Assembly seeks to grant the governor sweeping powers over traditional institutions, including the power to depose emirs and install preferred successors. Critics argue that this would enable a broader political purge under the guise of administrative reform.
“All Kingmakers and Council members from Adamawa Emirate Council must be indigene of Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song and Zumo Districts; while those of Mubi Emirate Council, must be indigene of Mubi North, Mubi South vis-à-vis all Emirates/Traditional councils in the state,” the circular added.
