The Adamawa State Government has revoked the traditional title of Wazirin Adamawa held by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, following the implementation of a new policy that bars non-indigenes from serving as kingmakers or members of traditional councils.
Atiku, who was conferred with the title in November 2018 by the Lamido of Adamawa, Muhammadu Barkindo, is originally from Jada in the Ganye Emirate, and not an indigene of the Adamawa Emirate where the Waziri title is conferred.
The directive was issued in a circular dated June 19, 2025, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs, Adama Felicity Mamman. The circular mandates all traditional councils to immediately remove kingmakers and council members who are not indigenes of their respective emirates or chiefdoms.
The circular stated:
“All Kingmakers and Council members in the state must be indigenes of their chiefdoms. However, those holding only honorary traditional titles may retain their positions regardless of local government of origin.”
In effect, Atiku, who was elevated from the position of Turakin Adamawa to Wazirin Adamawa, becomes ineligible to remain in the Adamawa Emirate Council under the new guidelines.
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Responding to inquiries, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, clarified that the directive is not new but is now being formally implemented. He noted that only the Lamido of Adamawa can determine Atiku’s indigeneship status, despite his long-standing residence and voter registration in Yola.
Wonosikou also dismissed speculation of political conflict between Governor Fintiri and Atiku, insisting that the policy is purely administrative. “There is no rift between them. The directive is aimed at ensuring loyalty and integrity within traditional councils,” he said.
The move follows the creation of seven new emirates and chiefdoms in December 2024, after the Adamawa State House of Assembly passed a new chieftaincy law. This increased the number of traditional councils in the state to 14.
Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, said he was not aware of any official communication affecting the former Vice President’s traditional title.
