The Adamawa Emirate Council has announced the removal of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the Waziri of Adamawa, one of the most prominent traditional titles in the state.
The decision was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the council’s Secretary, Alhaji Khalil Mohammed, in Yola, the Adamawa State capital.
According to the statement, the council reached the decision after an emergency meeting of the Emirate Council held at the palace of the Lamido Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo Mustapha.
Although the statement did not detail the specific reasons for Atiku’s dethronement, it cited “ongoing disrespect to the council and its traditional institutions” as part of the issues considered.
The council said the move was taken to preserve the sanctity, respect, and cultural heritage of the emirate.
The statement read in part, “After careful deliberations and in the interest of peace, unity, and the preservation of the traditional institution, the Adamawa Emirate Council has decided to withdraw the title of Waziri from Alhaji Atiku Abubakar with immediate effect.”
Atiku, who was turbaned Waziri in 2017, has been one of the most politically influential figures from Adamawa State. His installation as Waziri was seen as recognition of his contributions to the state and the emirate.
The development has already sparked mixed reactions across political and traditional circles within and outside Adamawa State.
When contacted on Wednesday, Atiku’s media team said the former Vice President was yet to receive any official communication from the council.
“We will issue a formal response once we are officially informed of the development,” one of his aides told our correspondent.
Meanwhile, sources within the council said the decision followed months of internal consultations and complaints over Atiku’s “recent public conduct,” though they declined to provide further details.
The Waziri title, regarded as one of the most senior and prestigious positions in the Adamawa Emirate hierarchy, traditionally symbolizes a key advisory and leadership role to the Lamido.
Efforts to get further clarification from the council’s palace spokesperson were unsuccessful as calls and text messages were not returned as of press time.
