The Adamawa State Government has firmly denied allegations that its ongoing reforms in the traditional and chieftaincy affairs sector are targeted at any individual or ethnic group.
It emphasised that the efforts are part of a broader initiative to modernise and strengthen traditional institutions in line with constitutional mandates and cultural preservation.
In an official statement, the government responded to growing public speculation that recent decisions within the sector were politically motivated or aimed at specific persons.
“These claims are unfounded and misleading; the reforms are designed to uphold transparency, due process, and fairness while resolving long-standing institutional ambiguities,” the statement noted.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting Adamawa’s rich cultural legacy while ensuring that traditional institutions operate within the bounds of law and accountability.
Among the key changes being proposed in the bill currently before the Adamawa State House of Assembly are provisions for the nomination of a substitute when a traditional ruler is incapacitated, as well as reforms to the structure and eligibility criteria of kingmakers across the state.
The government cited a past incident involving the late Murum Mbula, whose illness and temporary absence created a leadership vacuum that threw the Mbula Chiefdom into confusion.
In the absence of clear legal provisions, a temporary appointment was made by the Council of Chiefs without proper authority—an issue only resolved after the state government intervened.
“This experience highlighted the urgent need for legal clarity,” the government stated.
The second focus of the proposed amendment concerns the makeup of the kingmaker councils.
Currently, there are no strict guidelines on eligibility, leading to scenarios where individuals not residing in specific emirate jurisdictions have been appointed as kingmakers.
“For example, a person from Mubi could be named a kingmaker in the Adamawa Emirate Council despite having no direct ties to the community,” the statement explained.
With over 100 kingmakers across various emirates, including Adamawa, Mubi, Ganye, and Numan, the government insists that the reforms are designed for institutional improvement, not personal vendettas.
The Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs also issued a letter explaining the rationale behind the changes.
The letter clarifies that while individuals currently holding titles will retain them, they must relinquish their kingmaker roles if they are not indigenes of the concerned local government areas.
“The letter is straightforward—its intent is to ensure that indigenes, who are more intimately connected with their communities, serve as kingmakers,” the statement added.
In conclusion, the Adamawa State Government urged the public to dismiss misinformation and support efforts to restore integrity, functionality, and unity to the state’s traditional structures.
“These reforms are for the collective good of all communities in Adamawa, regardless of ethnicity or political affiliation. We remain focused on peace, development, and the preservation of our cultural identity,” the statement concluded.