‘You Can’t Be a Kingmaker Outside Your Chiefdom’: New Rules Bar Non-Indigenes from Kingmaker Roles in Adamawa

By Emmanuel Kwada

A significant shake-up in traditional leadership has been announced in Adamawa State following a circular from the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Department of Chieftaincy Affairs, dated June 19, 2025.

All non-indigenous kingmakers and council members have been relieved of their appointments with immediate effect

The directive, issued under the authority of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, mandates that all kingmakers and council members must be indigenes of their respective chiefdoms.

The circular specifies that kingmakers and council members from the Adamawa Emirate Council must hail from Yola South, Yola North, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, Song, and Zumo districts, while those in the Mubi Emirate Council must be from Mubi North and Mubi South.

This move aims to align traditional leadership with local heritage, though those holding only traditional titles retain their status regardless of their local government origin.

In a bold decision, all non-indigenous kingmakers and council members have been relieved of their appointments with immediate effect. Councils are now tasked with submitting a list of nominated replacements to the Executive Governor via the Permanent Secretary for approval.

Councils are now tasked with submitting a list of nominated replacements to the Executive Governor via the Permanent Secretary for approval

Signed by Permanent Secretary Adama Felicity Mammam, the circular marks a pivotal shift in the state’s governance structure, sparking debates about tradition, inclusivity, and local representation. The full impact of this policy remains to be seen as communities adjust to the new requirements.