In a dramatic move that has sent shockwaves through political and traditional circles, the Adamawa State Government has revoked the traditional title of Waziri Adamawa from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The action, justified on the basis of “non-indigeneship,” was coming amid a broader reorganization of the state’s traditional leadership structures.
The Waziri Adamawa title is second only to the Lamido, the paramount ruler of the Adamawa Emirate. The announcement was conveyed through a circular dated June 20, 2025, signed by Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
According to the circular, the recent creation of new Chiefdoms in the state necessitated that all Kingmakers and Council Members must be indigenes of their respective emirates or Chiefdoms. It specified that those serving under the Adamawa Emirate Council must hail from districts such as Yola North, Yola South, Girei, Song, Mayo-Belwa, and Zumo. Atiku, who is from Jada Local Government under the Ganye Chiefdom, no longer qualified under this directive.
The decision also affected other title holders, including the Walin Adamawa, as the state enforced stricter indigene requirements within its traditional institutions.
Observers have widely interpreted the move as a political jab by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, a former ally of Atiku during the 2023 general elections under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Their relationship has reportedly soured in recent months following Atiku’s ongoing consultations with opposition leaders including Aishatu Binani, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai toward forming a coalition for the 2027 general elections.
Adding fuel to the political fire is a contentious executive bill before the Adamawa State House of Assembly. The proposed law would grant the governor sweeping authority to depose traditional rulers deemed incapacitated and replace them with preferred “chosen princes.”
Critics have decried the developments as a dangerous encroachment on the autonomy of traditional institutions and a veiled attempt to neutralize political dissenters.
While government officials maintained the changes are legal and administrative in nature, the symbolic dethronement of one of Nigeria’s most influential political figures has stirred nationwide reactions.
