The Adamawa State Government has dismissed reports suggesting that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been removed from his traditional title as the Wazirin Adamawa.
The clarification comes amid widespread media interpretations of a recent government circular as indicating Atiku’s removal from the position.
The circular, issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, outlined new guidelines restricting kingmaker roles and emirate council membership to individuals from specific districts.
Addressing journalists at a press conference, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Iliya James, stated that the new policy does not affect existing titleholders.
“No individual has been stripped of their title,” James said. “The reforms are not targeted at any person or group but are part of a broader effort to modernise traditional institutions and align them with constitutional roles while preserving our cultural heritage.”
He emphasized that misinterpretations of the circular have created misleading narratives suggesting political motives or targeted actions.
“It has come to the government’s attention that certain narratives in the public space suggest that recent decisions concerning chieftaincy matters are politically motivated or aimed at specific persons. We firmly refute these claims,” the commissioner said.
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He further explained that while titleholders will retain their positions, they must relinquish kingmaker responsibilities if they are not from the designated districts, to ensure local representation.
“The letter from the Ministry is very clear. It states that those currently holding titles will remain in place, but for kingmaker roles, only true indigenes of the relevant local governments should serve,” he said.
James noted that governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri remains committed to reforming outdated legislation governing traditional institutions in the state. He added that the legislative review underway includes provisions to enhance coordination, resolve disputes, and foster inclusivity.
“In fact, under the proposed law, even a Yoruba or Igbo person could theoretically serve as a kingmaker or council member if properly nominated,” he said.
He reaffirming the state government’s commitment to fairness, cultural preservation, and strengthening of traditional structures through lawful and inclusive reforms.
