There has been growing confusion over the future of the Lamido Adamawa’s position as Chairman of the Adamawa State Council of Emirs and Chiefs after the state passed a new law creating more traditional districts.
But in a move to set the record straight, the Adamawa State House of Assembly confirmed today that the Lamido Adamawa will remain the Life Chairman of the council, despite rumors suggesting otherwise.
At a press conference in Yola on Friday, Hon. Musa Mahmoud Kallamu, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, clarified that the Lamido Adamawa’s position has not been affected by the creation of new traditional districts in the state.
“The bill establishing the Adamawa State Council of Chiefs clearly states that the Lamido Adamawa shall be the chairman of the council,” Kallamu said, addressing concerns that had arisen following the signing of the bill into law by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
The new law, which was introduced to create more districts in Adamawa, had caused some confusion. Rumors began to spread that the Lamido Adamawa’s role as Chairman of the state council was being abolished and replaced with a rotational chairmanship system.
However, Kallamu put these rumors to rest, stating that the creation of zonal traditional councils would not impact the position of the Lamido Adamawa. The zonal councils would have their own rotational chairmanship, but they would still report directly to the Lamido Adamawa.
He went on to explain that Section 17 of the bill outlines the creation of the Adamawa State Council of Chiefs, while Section 18 details the membership of the council. This includes the Lamido Adamawa as Chairman, second-class chiefs, the permanent secretary of chieftaincy affairs, and the chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state.
“The Lamido Adamawa’s position is guaranteed in the new law, and there is no change to it,” Kallamu assured the public.
The new law also stipulates the creation of additional traditional districts in Adamawa, a move aimed at strengthening the state’s traditional institutions and improving governance at the grassroots level. The law has been seen as a positive development, providing a framework for expanding traditional leadership across the state.
While the law creates new districts, each of which will have its own zonal council with a rotating chairman, it clearly indicates that these councils will operate under the leadership of the Lamido Adamawa, who will remain the permanent chairman of the state council.
The Lamido Adamawa, who has traditionally held the position of chairman of the state council, is one of the most respected traditional rulers in northern Nigeria. His role is critical in the governance structure of Adamawa, where traditional leaders play a vital part in settling disputes, guiding communities, and advising the state government on cultural and socio-economic issues.
There were concerns that the creation of more districts might dilute the Lamido Adamawa’s influence, but the new law ensures that his leadership role remains intact.
This clarification comes at a time when many are questioning the impacts of the new law on the state’s traditional leadership structure. Some had feared that the law could disrupt the harmony and unity that the traditional institution has historically provided in Adamawa State.
However, Kallamu was quick to reassure the public that the law has been carefully designed to enhance the role of the Lamido Adamawa, not diminish it.
“The law was passed to strengthen the traditional institutions in Adamawa, and the Lamido Adamawa will continue to be at the helm,” he said.
Governor Fintiri’s signing of the bill into law earlier this week has also been welcomed by many as a progressive move aimed at ensuring better representation for various communities in Adamawa. The creation of additional districts allows for more localized governance, ensuring that even the smallest communities have access to traditional leadership.
With this new law, Adamawa’s traditional institutions are expected to become more dynamic, with each zone having a voice in the council of emirs. But while the zonal councils will rotate leadership, the Lamido Adamawa will remain the overarching chairman, overseeing all traditional councils in the state.
This move is seen as a way of modernizing traditional leadership in Adamawa without weakening its power or undermining the significance of the Lamido Adamawa’s role.
The lawmaker also noted that the bill had been thoroughly debated and scrutinized before it was passed, with the interests of all stakeholders considered. The changes introduced by the bill, including the creation of more districts, reflect a growing recognition of the importance of traditional institutions in governance.
