Adamawa Govt revokes Waziri Adamawa title of former VP Atiku Abubakar under new indigenes-only policy

The Adamawa State Government has formally revoked the traditional title Waziri Adamawa, previously held by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, following a sweeping policy change mandating that all titleholders and emirate council members must be haramayn (indigenes) of their respective chiefdoms .

Announced on February 20, 2025, by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri during the coronation of the new Chief of Madagali, the decision is part of a broader overhaul of traditional institutions. Under the newly created emirates and chiefdom boundaries, existing titles issued under the former Adamawa and Mubi emirates are now deemed invalid.

The shake-up affects several prominent figures:

Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and national PDP leader, lost his title of Waziri Adamawa.

Boni Haruna, former governor, was stripped of the title Makama Mubi.

Even Governor Fintiri relinquished his own title, Sarki Yaki Mubi

Governor Fintiri emphasized that only indigenes of the newly defined emirates are eligible for traditional roles going forward. To facilitate the transition, he directed traditional councils within the new emirate structure to propose fresh titleholders, all presenting candidates subject to customary scrutiny and his approval.

Atiku and others may eventually be reappointed, but only if the Lamido of Adamawa recommends them and the governor concur.

Why it matters

Cultural realignment: This revocation highlights a reassertion of locality and tradition within Adamawa’s emirate system—ensuring leadership aligns with geographic heritage.

Political signal: Stripping high-profile—but non-indigenous—leaders of honorary titles serves to decentralize traditional influence and possibly rebalance local power dynamics.

Future prospects: Decisions by the Lamido and the governor may spark renewed debate around the blend of tradition and modern governance in the state.

As this evolves, the interplay between political authority and cultural identity in Adamawa’s restructured emirate system will be worth watching—especially if stalwarts like Atiku are considered for reappointment under the new framework