Fintiri Strips Atiku Abubakar and Others of Traditional Titles in Adamawa State
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
February 20, 2025
In a groundbreaking move that has shaken the political and traditional landscape of Adamawa State, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri announced the stripping of traditional titles held by prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governor Boni Haruna, and others. This move comes in the wake of the recent creation of new emirates and chiefdoms in the state, which has effectively altered the traditional jurisdictions that had long defined the roles and statuses of these titleholders.
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The proclamation was made during the coronation ceremony of the newly appointed Chief of Madagali, a critical event that symbolized the restructuring of traditional leadership in the state. Fintiri, in his address, declared that all traditional titles acquired from the old emirates and chiefdoms are now nullified. This is in line with a policy shift aimed at realigning traditional leadership structures with the newly established emirates and chiefdoms.
“Hence, traditional titles acquired from the old emirates and chiefdoms are hereby dropped,” the governor stated emphatically. “The constituted traditional councils of the new emirates and chiefdoms are therefore directed to recommend new titles for approval in line with the statutory dictates of tradition.”
The restructuring process saw the formation of several new emirates and chiefdoms carved from the old Adamawa and Mubi emirates, which had historically been the epicenters of traditional authority in the region. By the governor’s decree, individuals whose traditional jurisdictions now fall under the newly established entities are no longer entitled to retain their former titles. This includes not only Governor Fintiri, who himself holds the title of Sarki Yaki Mubi, but also former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is the Waziri Adamawa, and Boni Haruna, who holds the title of Makama Mubi.
The implications of this policy shift are far-reaching, not only for these individuals but for the broader political and social fabric of Adamawa. Fintiri’s decision to strip Atiku, Haruna, and other titleholders of their traditional distinctions marks a significant moment in the state’s history, reflecting the tension between political authority and traditional leadership in a rapidly changing environment.
Fintiri, who hails from Madagali, where the new chiefdom now stands, has made it clear that traditional leaders must adapt to the new realities. He also emphasized that the Lamido of the Adamawa Emirate, if so inclined, can forward Atiku’s name, along with others, for reappointment to the governor for approval.
This development marks the end of an era for those whose influence was rooted in the traditional structures of the old emirates. The creation of new administrative units has now reshaped the leadership dynamics in Adamawa, and it remains to be seen how this will impact the future of the state’s political and cultural landscape.
As for Fintiri, his decisive action reflects his commitment to modernizing the state’s governance while simultaneously asserting his authority over traditional institutions. The next steps, as he has outlined, will see new titles emerge from the traditional councils of the newly constituted emirates and chiefdoms, marking the dawn of a new chapter in Adamawa’s history.
This move by Governor Fintiri is not just a matter of ceremonial protocol but also a calculated political maneuver, signaling a shift in allegiances and power within the state. It will undoubtedly influence the relationships between the state’s political leaders and its traditional institutions in the years to come.
