Adamawa Governor’s Title Revocation Sparks Controversy Amid Restructuring
In a move that has stirred both political and traditional tensions, Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has revoked traditional titles held by prominent figures, including himself, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and ex-Governor Boni Haruna. The decision, announced during the coronation of the newly installed Chief of Madagali, follows the state government’s restructuring of emirates and chiefdoms.
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Governor Fintiri justified the move by stating that all District Heads must now align with the newly created emirates and chiefdoms. He declared that traditional titles previously conferred under the old jurisdictions, including those from the Adamawa and Mubi emirates, were no longer valid. As a result, Fintiri has relinquished his title of Sarki Yaki Mubi, Atiku Abubakar has lost his position as Waziri Adamawa, and Boni Haruna has forfeited the title of Makama Mubi, among others affected by the restructuring.
While the governor framed the decision as a necessary step to streamline traditional institutions, critics have questioned the timing and motives behind the move. Political analysts suggest that the revocation of titles held by high-profile opposition figures, particularly Atiku Abubakar, a former presidential candidate and longtime political rival, raises concerns about the politicization of traditional institutions.
Fintiri’s directive for traditional councils in the newly formed emirates to propose fresh titles for approval has also been met with skepticism. Critics argue that the process could be used to sideline political opponents and consolidate power within the governor’s circle. Although Fintiri stated that the Lamido of Adamawa could recommend Atiku and others for reconsideration, he emphasized that any reappointment would require his final approval—a condition that further fuels allegations of political interference.
The restructuring has also sparked unease among traditional leaders and communities, who view the abrupt revocation of titles as a disregard for cultural heritage and historical significance. Many fear that the move could destabilize the delicate balance of power within the state’s traditional institutions, which have long played a crucial role in maintaining social cohesion.
As the dust settles on this controversial decision, questions linger about its broader implications. Will the restructuring genuinely serve the interests of Adamawa’s traditional institutions, or is it a calculated political maneuver disguised as reform? With the governor’s final approval now a prerequisite for any reappointment, the lines between tradition and politics appear increasingly blurred in Adamawa State.
For now, the revocation of these titles stands as a stark reminder of the enduring interplay between power, tradition, and politics in Nigeria’s complex socio-political landscape.
Reference
Adamawa Governor’s Title Revocation Sparks Controversy Amid Restructuring