The Adamawa State Government has officially stripped former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of his prestigious Waziri Adamawa traditional title, citing a newly implemented indigeneship policy that affects leadership positions within the emirate council.
According to official documents, the decision was formalized through a circular dated June 20, 2025, signed by Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs. The directive forms part of a broader restructuring of traditional institutions following the creation of new chiefdoms under Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri's administration.
New Eligibility Criteria
The Waziri position, traditionally recognized as the second-highest rank in the Adamawa Emirate hierarchy after the Lamido, now falls under revised eligibility requirements. The new policy stipulates that only indigenes from specific districts—Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song, and Zumo—can hold emirate council positions or titles.
Atiku, who hails from Jada Local Government Area within the Ganye Chiefdom, no longer qualifies under these new guidelines. The policy change affects not only the former Vice President but also several other traditional titleholders whose origins lie outside the approved districts.
Broader Implications
The circular further clarified that the new regulations apply universally to all council members and traditional titleholders within emirate systems across Adamawa State. This represents a significant shift in how traditional leadership roles are allocated and maintained in the region.
The revocation comes at a time when political alignments are shifting ahead of future elections, with Atiku remaining a prominent figure in Nigerian politics despite recent electoral setbacks.
Political analysts suggest this move could have implications beyond traditional governance structures, potentially affecting political dynamics in Adamawa State and the broader northern region where traditional institutions still hold significant influence.
Neither Atiku nor his representatives have issued an official response to the development at the time of this report.
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