Governor Umaru Fintiri Of Adamawa State has stripped former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar of his traditional title of Wazirin Adamawa, the second highest title in Adamawa Emirate.
This latest development effectively ends the six year reign of the former Vice President as the Wazirin. He was turbaned in November 2018 as the seventh Wazirin of Adamawa by Muhannadu Barkindo, the Lamido of Adamawa.
The state government’s circular that stripped Atiku and others of their coveted titles was dated June 19,2025 and was signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs, Adama Felicity Mamman.
It states,”Following the creation of new Chiefdoms in the State by the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umar Fintiri, I am directed to inform you that all Kingmakers and Council members in the state must be indigene (sic) of their Chiefdoms, e,g all Kingmakers and Council members from Adamawa Emirate Council must be indigene (sic) of Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song and Zumo districts, while those of Mubi Emirate Council must be indigene (sic) of Mubi South and Mubi North, Vis-a-vis all Emirates/Traditional Councils in the State.
“However, those appointed or conferred with Only Traditional titles are to maintain their status regardless of their Local Government of indigene (sic)..
“With the content of this Circular, all Kingmakers and Council members who are not indigenes of the Chiefdoms have been relieved of their appointments.
“Councils are therefore directed to submit a list of all nominated Kingmakers and Council members to His Excellency, the Executive Governor, through the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Chieftaincy Affairs, for approval
“This circular takes immediate effect, please.”
Atiku was the Turaki Adamawa before his elevation to the rank of Waziri Adamawa. Both titles made him a member of the Adamawa Emirate Council.
The circular indicates that the former vice president would be removed from the position, as he is not an indigene of the Adamawa Emirate.
When asked to clarify how the government’s directive would affect Atiku, Governor Umaru Fintiri’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, said only the Lamido of Adamawa could make the clarification.
“Alhaji Atiku Abubakar lives in Yola and is a registered voter there, so only the Lamido can determine his indigeneship status,” Mr Wonosilou said.
The governor’s spokesperson said the directive was not new, and the circular was just a step to activate it.
“The governor gave the directive when he presented the staff of office to the emirs and chiefs of the newly created emirates and chiefdoms early this year,” he said.
“The government felt it may create doubts about loyalty for a kingmaker (and council member) who is not an indigene of the traditional council of which he is a member,” Mr Wonosikou further explained.
Governor Fintiri created seven new emirates and chiefdoms last December after the state House of Assembly passed the “Adamawa State Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) and Matters Incidental Thereto” bill into law on 10 December.
The development increased the number of the state’s traditional councils to 14.
Mr Wonosikou also said there was no rift between his principal and the former Vice President.
“There is no rift between them,” he insisted.
