The Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has revoked several prominent traditional titles, including those held by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governor Boni Haruna, and even himself. The announcement, made on February 20, 2025, during the coronation ceremony of the newly installed Chief of Madagali, marks a significant step in the restructuring of emirates and chiefdoms across the state. This decision has sent ripples through Nigeria’s political and traditional circles, raising questions about its implications for the state’s leadership dynamics.
Governor Fintiri’s decision is part of a broader initiative to modernize Adamawa’s traditional leadership system and align district heads with newly created emirates and chiefdoms. Speaking at the event, he emphasized that titles granted under the previous frameworks of the Adamawa and Mubi emirates are no longer valid. “As a result, traditional titles granted under the old emirates and chiefdoms are now invalid,” Fintiri stated, underscoring the need for a fresh approach to traditional governance.
The restructuring has directly impacted high-profile figures. Governor Fintiri has relinquished his own title of Sarki Yaki Mubi, while Atiku Abubakar, a political heavyweight and former Vice President of Nigeria, has lost his prestigious Waziri Adamawa title. Similarly, former Governor Boni Haruna has been stripped of his Makama Mubi title. Several other notable individuals have also been affected, though specific names beyond these prominent figures have not been publicly detailed.
Fintiri explained that the overhaul was necessary to streamline traditional leadership in line with the state’s evolving administrative structure. The creation of new emirates and chiefdoms, all emerging from the original Adamawa and Mubi emirates, required a reassessment of titles to reflect current realities. “The newly established traditional councils are instructed to propose new titles for approval in accordance with statutory customs,” he added, signaling a collaborative process to redefine traditional roles.
Observers suggest that this move may also be aimed at enhancing governance and addressing security challenges at the grassroots level, as hinted by Fintiri in previous statements related to the 2024 District Creation Law. By reducing the influence of older emirate structures and redistributing authority, the governor appears to be consolidating power and adapting traditional institutions to contemporary needs.
The revocation of Atiku Abubakar’s Waziri Adamawa title—a position that historically positioned him as second-in-command to the Lamido of Adamawa—has drawn significant attention. Atiku, a perennial presidential contender and a key figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, has long leveraged his traditional influence in Adamawa as a base for his national ambitions. The loss of this title could symbolically weaken his standing in the state, though its practical impact on his political clout remains to be seen.
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The timing of the decision, coming just over a year after Atiku’s latest presidential bid in 2023, has fueled speculation about underlying political motives. Some analysts posit that this could reflect tensions between Fintiri, a rising star in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Atiku, a party elder whose influence has occasionally clashed with newer leadership. However, Fintiri has framed the move as a systemic reform rather than a targeted attack, noting that even his own title was not spared.
To ensure a smooth transition, Governor Fintiri has directed the traditional councils within the restructured emirates to submit recommendations for new titles. These proposals will be reviewed and approved in accordance with Adamawa’s customary laws and traditions. Additionally, he clarified that the Lamido of Adamawa, the state’s highest traditional ruler, could propose Atiku, Haruna, and others for reconsideration. However, any reinstatement or new appointments would require the governor’s final approval, reinforcing his authority over the process.
This provision offers a potential olive branch to those affected, suggesting that the revocation is not necessarily permanent. For Atiku and Haruna, the opportunity to regain traditional titles—albeit under a new framework—may depend on their relationship with both the Lamido and the state government.
The restructuring follows the passage of the Adamawa State District Creation Law 2024, signed by Fintiri in December, which created 83 new districts and laid the groundwork for additional emirates. While the law was initially presented as a means to enhance grassroots governance, its implementation has now revealed a deeper impact on traditional hierarchies. The reduction of the Adamawa Emirate’s jurisdiction from eight to three local government areas under a prior reform had already sparked debate, and this latest action further underscores Fintiri’s willingness to challenge established norms.
Public reaction has been mixed. Supporters of the governor laud the move as a progressive step toward modernizing traditional institutions, while critics argue it risks alienating influential figures and disrupting cultural heritage. Social media posts on X reflect this divide, with some users praising Fintiri’s boldness and others questioning the timing and intent behind stripping Atiku of his title.
As Adamawa navigates this transformative period, the revocation of traditional titles signals a new chapter in the state’s governance structure. For Atiku Abubakar, Boni Haruna, and others affected, the coming months will test their ability to adapt to this shift and reclaim their standing within the evolving traditional landscape. For Governor Fintiri, the move reinforces his authority and vision for Adamawa, though it may also intensify political rivalries in a state long known for its intricate power dynamics.
