By Zubainatu Kambari
Descendants and concerned members of the Adamawa Royal Family have thrown their weight behind the Walin Adamawa, Alhaji Aminu Abdulkadir Mbamba, dismissing allegations contained in a recent petition against him as false, malicious and aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
The group, in a statement signed by Prince Musa Aliyu Mustapha and other members of the royal family, said the claims lacked merit, insisting that Mbamba's record in public service, business and traditional leadership remained impeccable.
According to the statement, the Walin Adamawa built his reputation through years of dedication in Nigeria's oil and gas industry before emerging as the National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, a position they said reflected his leadership qualities and professional competence.
The family further maintained that Mbamba had always conducted his affairs with integrity and respect for the law, stressing that allegations relating to his assets were unfounded.
They challenged anyone with evidence of wrongdoing to approach the appropriate legal authorities instead of making what they described as unsubstantiated public accusations.
The statement also faulted the petitioners' understanding of the history and traditions of the Adamawa Emirate Council, explaining that the office of the Walin Adamawa is an established institution within the Emirate.
It noted that Mbamba is the fifth holder of the title, tracing its lineage to the late Lamido Aliyu Mustapha, the first Walin Adamawa.
Defending the traditional hierarchy within the Emirate Council, the royal family said the positions of Waziri, Galadima and Wali have historically occupied recognised ranks in the council.
It added that the arrangement of offices in the former Native Authority Council building reflected that order of seniority.
On the issue of kingmakers, the group argued that successive Lamidos of Adamawa had always exercised the authority to appoint and remove kingmakers.
It said the appointment of the Walin Adamawa to that role was consistent with longstanding customs, noting that previous rulers had similarly appointed other title holders, including the Wakilin Adamawa and the Ardo Daware.
The signatories linked the petition to recent administrative changes within the Adamawa Emirate Council, particularly the replacement of the council's former secretary.
They described the decision as an internal administrative matter carried out within the powers of the Lamido and the Emirate Council after confidence in the former official's performance had waned.
They also cited historical records indicating that previous holders of the Walin Adamawa title played prominent roles in judicial matters and land administration, arguing that the office has traditionally occupied a position of authority and responsibility within the Emirate.
Reaffirming their support for Mbamba, the royal family described him as a loyal member of the Adamawa Emirate Council whose contributions to the development of Adamawa State and the country have earned widespread recognition.
The group urged the public to disregard what it called a campaign of misinformation against the traditional title holder and called on the Emirate Council to continue safeguarding its customs, integrity and longstanding traditions.
It also expressed confidence in the leadership of the Lamido of Adamawa to preserve justice, unity and the values of the historic institution.
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