Adamawa Govt withdraws Atiku’s traditional title of Waziri

The Adamawa State Government has formally revoked the prestigious traditional title of Waziri Adamawa previously held by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, citing a new indigeneship policy affecting emirate council leadership.
The decision was communicated in a circular dated June 20, 2025, and signed by Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Chieftaincy Affairs. The directive is part of a broader restructuring of traditional institutions following the recent creation of new chiefdoms under Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s administration.
Traditionally considered the second highest-ranking figure in the Adamawa Emirate after the Lamido, the Waziri Adamawa title now falls under new eligibility criteria which stipulate that only indigenes from Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song, and Zumo districts can hold emirate council positions or titles. Atiku, a native of Jada Local Government Area, which is part of the Ganye Chiefdom, is thus disqualified.
The circular further stated that the new policy applies to all council members and traditional titleholders within emirate systems across the state, thereby affecting several others whose origins lie outside the approved districts.