By Umaru Dahiru
Fresh controversy has engulfed the Adamawa Emirate following allegations against the Walin Adamawa, Alhaji Aminu Abdulkadir, over alleged unlawful acquisition of large expanses of farmland and interference in the administration of the Adamawa Emirate Council.
The accusations were contained in a petition submitted by Prince Abdulrahman Aliyu Mustapha, the Sarkin Misira Adamawa, who alleged that the traditional title holder took possession of more than 8,000 hectares of farmland across Boronji, Langire, Gongoshi and neighbouring communities in Yola South Local Government Area.
According to the petitioner, about 254 hectares of land in Boronji, valued at over N1.5bn, alongside 250 hectares in Langire and 318 hectares in Gongoshi, were among the affected properties. He claimed the acquisitions displaced farmers who had cultivated the lands for decades and depended on them for their livelihoods and the education of their children.
Mustapha alleged that the affected communities were persuaded to relinquish the lands on the promise that foreign-backed development projects would be established there, only for the properties to be allegedly registered in the name of the Walin Adamawa.
He claimed that several families had lost access to their farmlands, while some government aides who previously farmed in the affected areas were also denied entry.
The petitioner further challenged the Walin Adamawa's position within the traditional hierarchy of the Emirate, arguing that historical records did not recognise holders of the title as kingmakers.
He maintained that previous occupants of the office, including his father, who became Walin Adamawa in 1946, Alhaji Muhammadu Abba Muhammadu, who held the title between 1964 and 2010, and the late former OPEC Secretary-General, Sanusi Barkindo, were never regarded as kingmakers.
Mustapha argued that the recognised hierarchy of the Adamawa Emirate places the Waziri, Galadima, Wakili and Dan Buram ahead of the Walin Adamawa, questioning what he described as efforts to expand the office beyond its traditional responsibilities.
The petition also accused the title holder of attempting to wield undue influence over the affairs of the Adamawa Emirate Council, particularly in matters relating to succession and administration.
One of the issues highlighted was the alleged removal of the Secretary of the Adamawa Emirate Council, Umaru Yahaya.
According to the petitioner, despite directives allegedly issued by the Lamido of Adamawa through the Waziri and Wakili instructing that no action should be taken, the Galadima reportedly convened a meeting of district heads where Yahaya was declared removed on the instruction of the Walin Adamawa.
He, however, claimed that district heads present at the meeting declined to endorse the decision, insisting that due process governing appointments and removals within the Emirate Council had not been followed.
Mustapha said the development had generated debate over the administration of the Emirate, with concerns being raised over the legality of the secretary's purported removal and the extent of executive influence in appointments linked to traditional institutions.
He further alleged that while serving as acting Lamido during the substantive monarch's medical trip, following approval by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the Walin Adamawa disregarded the Emirate's long-established leadership structure.
According to him, the traditional order of succession, which has existed for over 250 years, places the Waziri as the next authority in the Lamido's absence, followed by the Galadima, Wakili and then the Wali.
The petitioner also alleged that the crisis had affected palace administration, claiming that salaries of several palace workers were withheld for three years. He accused the Walin Adamawa and the Galadima of being responsible for the development.
He further claimed that some palace employees welcomed the return of the Emirate Council Secretary because of his alleged commitment to staff welfare, while alleging that about 10 palace workers were recently dismissed without justification.
Mustapha also alleged that the Walin Adamawa failed to honour an invitation by a committee reportedly set up by Governor Fintiri to investigate the allegations.
He called on the governor to ensure a thorough investigation, describing him as a leader committed to fairness, infrastructure development and peaceful coexistence in the state.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of the Walin Adamawa were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Several telephone calls, WhatsApp messages and SMS sent to Alhaji Aminu Abdulkadir over a 24-hour period were neither answered nor acknowledged.
A message requesting his response to the allegations, including claims relating to the acquisition of farmlands in Boronji, Langire and Gongoshi, as well as the suspension of the Emirate Council Secretary, was also sent but had yet to receive a reply.
The allegations remain claims made by the petitioner and have not been independently verified.
No official statement has been issued by the relevant authorities regarding the issues raised in the petition.
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