How govs reshaped Northern emirates
Several emirates and chiefdoms in northern Nigeria have been either split, downgraded or upgraded by state governors. This action which started some time ago is getting more entrenched as more states unbundle their emirates and chiefdoms. Some of the emirates predate the colonial era and are seen as vestiges of the traditions that should be […]
Several emirates and chiefdoms in northern Nigeria have been either split, downgraded or upgraded by state governors. This action which started some time ago is getting more entrenched as more states unbundle their emirates and chiefdoms.
Some of the emirates predate the colonial era and are seen as vestiges of the traditions that should be preserved. But in the last 25 years, northern Nigeria has witnessed situations where existing emirates’ structure are tampered with in ways that whittle down the powers of the traditional rulers and influence.
Respected emirates like the ones in Kano, Adamawa, Bauchi and Taraba states have at one time or the other been split to create new ones or their status improved upon.
Due to the manner such processes are handled, pundits believe the reconfigurations were done mainly for political reasons or as punishment.
- Traditional institutions need to be protected – Varsity don
- Ekiti gov’ship: APC stakeholders petition Tinubu ahead primary
In 2019, investigations by this newspaper indicated that there were at least 548 emirates and chiefdom across the North and the FCT, with 174 of them having first-class status, 130 second-class, 205 third-class, and 37 fourth class.
Writing in the Daily Trust of Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Dr Usman Sarki, a former Nigerian diplomat and scholar who contributes opinion pieces and historical analyses, established the long history of some of the emirates when he quoted E. D. Morel, a colonial officer, who recounted his journey of 1909.
He said even by that time, the emirate administrations inherited from the Sokoto Caliphate had become models of internal order where taxes were properly recorded, courts staffed by trained Alkalis or judges and authority resting upon moral rather than coercive foundations represented by the emirs.
According to Dr Sarki, “He (Morel) described Emir Abbas of Kano, for instance, as ‘a ruler of intelligence and integrity, exercising authority through law rather than caprice.
“In Zaria, he observed a disciplined bureaucracy supervising an agriculturally prosperous countryside, and observed fields tended with patience, irrigation channels managed with collective care, and granaries abundant with millet and guinea-corn.”
The recalibration of these structures has become so frequent that people are worried that the values they evince would be diminished if not checked.
Some persons are, however, happy with the development, saying it is part of the dynamics of development.
The newly appointed Emir of Lame, Alhaji Aliyu Yakubu Lame, who spoke with our correspondent on the issue, said his people are happy about what the state government has done.
“I swear to Almighty Allah, if you see the number of people that came out during the public hearing and after the announcement of the emirates and chiefdom by the State Government in Bauchi, you will know that people welcome it with happiness,” he stated.
Within the current political dispensation known as the 4th Republic, new emirates have been created, existing ones have been cut to pieces, emirs have been deposed and districts reconfigured.
Our correspondents report that nine states of Katsina; Adamawa; Bauchi; Kano; Taraba, Nasarawa; Sokoto; Kaduna and Yobe have experienced one form of alteration or the other on existing traditional structures.
Bauchi gets new emirates
The Bauchi State governor, Alhaji Bala Mohammed, on Thursday, signed into law, a bill for the creation of more emirates.
They are Burra, Ari and Warji in Ningi Local Government Area; Dambam Emirate in Dambam Local Government; Duguri Emirate in Alkaleri Local Government; Toro, Jama’a and Lame from Toro Local Government Area.
Others are Darazo Emirate in Darazo Local Government; Gamawa Emirate in Gamawa Local Government; Bununu and Lere emirates in Tafawa Balewa Local Government; Giade Emirate in Giade Local Government, as well as Sayawa chiefdom with headquarters at Mhrim/Namchi.
The Bauchi State government also announced the nomination of 11 out of the 14 emirates and chiefdom created. The government further announced some first class emirs, second class emirs and third class emirs to go with the new development.
Some stakeholders of the various communities who spoke to our correspondent said they were not happy with the development.
They claimed that the process was ethnically motivated, politically driven, and could cause division. Specifically, the Fulani community has rejected the creation, arguing it was not based on historical legitimacy, but on ethnic demarcations. Other concerns include the significant economic costs of establishing new administrative bodies and potential social disruption,
The Fulani Community of Bauchi State, under the aegis of Daddo Pulaku and Affiliated Associations, and Communities of Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area under the Tafawa Balewa Development Association TABTODA , also flayed the creation of more emirates and chiefdoms in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area by the governor.
The communities pledged to challenge the bill that created the emirates before the court of law.
Speaking on behalf of the Fulani communities, a one-time Bauchi State House of Assembly member and former chairman of Tafawa Balewa local Government, Alhaji Aminu Tukur, alleged that the creation of the new emirates and chiefdoms was done to cause ethnic and tribal divisions.
Stakeholders from Ningi Emirate appealed to the state government not to carve out the old Ningi settlements and Kudu/Yamma areas from the existing emirate to form the proposed Ari chiefdom/emirate.
The Tafawa Balewa Town Development Association (TABTODA) also rejected the siting of the headquarters of Zaar Chiefdom in Mhrim because they say Mhrim is a location in Tafawa Balewa town.
The secretary of the association, Mallam Yunusa Ado, said they would continue to pursue the valid cases in court regarding the siting of the headquarters of the chiefdom in Tafawa Balewa.
He said: “for a long time we had conceded to the creation of the Zaar Chiefdom if that would bring lasting peace to the area. But we also made it categorically clear that we would never accept inclusion of Tafawa Balewa town in the domain of the chiefdom not to talk of siting its headquarters there.”
Yunusa explained that Tafawa Balewa town was founded by Fulani and that all the villages and settlements in Tafawa Balewa are not Sayawa villages and so cannot pay allegiance to Zaar chiefdom.
He said all the commissions of enquiries set up that investigated the Tafawa Balewa crises, informed the state government that Tafawa Balewa is not a Sayawa town and they recommended for the creation of Zaar chiefdom in Bogoro Local Government Area.
Tafidan Chamo, Sanusi Muhammad Marke said the inclusion of the two areas in the new emirate would “dilute our history, distort historical continuity and weaken the cultural bonds that have held us together for over two centuries.”
He added: “Any attempt to remove critical parts of Ningi Emirate will weaken its traditional institution and will be perceived as a plan to diminish the influence of the ruling emir.”
On security implications, the groups cautioned that the planned boundary adjustment could fuel rivalry among groups loyal to the Ningi Emirate and those supporting the proposed Ari chiefdom, potentially leading to “catastrophic conflicts and breach of peace.”
However, Governor Mohammed said the creation of the new emirates, chiefdoms and districts was in fulfilment of the yearnings of various communities across the state.
He said reforming the traditional institution was aimed at deepening local governance, enhancing identity and strengthening the invaluable roles of traditional institutions as custodians of peace, unity and development.
The governor said the reform was also in fulfilment of his electioneering campaign promises dating back to 2019 when he aspired to lead the state.
He said that similar practices had taken place in some states of the federation and even on the African continent and beyond.
Katsina to create eight additional districts
One of the most recent cases is Katsina, where the state House of Assembly has approved the creation of eight new districts across Katsina and Daura Emirates of the state.
The assembly approved the creation of the districts during its plenary presided by the Speaker, Alhaji Nasir Yahaya-Daura.
The bill sent by Governor Dikko Radda was approved after scaling both the second and third readings during the house plenary.
The newly created districts under Katsina Emirate are Dankama, Radda, Muduru, Dabai, Shargalle, and Katsina, while the ones under Daura Emirate are Ɗankum and Kawarin Kudi.
After deliberations by the lawmakers, the bill was unanimously adopted and approved.
Kano Emirate
The case of Kano has attracted the most attention and the matter has lingered with the affected parties still in court.
After the 2019 governorship election in Kano State which was keenly contested, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who won the election believed that the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi 11, was partisan and worked against his re-election; hence decided to create four additional emirates in a move which many claimed was aimed at whittling down his powers.
Consequently, four first class emirates of Bichi, Rano, Karaye and Gaya were created and new emirs appointed and installed.
Expectedly, some opposition lawmakers in the state House of Assembly and Emir Sanusi challenged the creation of the new emirates in court.
A Kano State High court presided over by Justice Usman Na’abba voided the creation of the new emirates as unconstitutional, null and of no effect whatsoever, averring that due legislative process was not followed. This judicial decision prompted the government to quickly pass a new legislation recreating the emirates, as well as reappointing the same emirs.
The split of the emirate into five by Ganduje substantially restricted the influence of the emir to the eight local government areas in the metropolis.
Sanusi was subsequently removed as emir in March 2020 and replaced by the then Emir of Bichi, Aminu Ado Bayero.
However, things took a dramatic turn in 2024 when Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf won elections as governor and reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano. He dissolved the four emirates of Bichi, Karaye, Gaya and Rano, thereby effectively restoring Kano to a single emirate by assenting to the Kano Emirate Council (repeal) bill 2024 as passed by the state House of Assembly.
In July 2024, the Kano State Government, through new legislation, re-established Karaye, Gaya and Rano emirates as second-class emirates, retaining the overall authority of Kano Emirate over them. Bichi Emirate was, however, not re-established, a move that continuously stokes political tension.
While some residents welcome the creation of additional emirates, saying it brings development closer to the people, others believe the move has further divided the people and altered the historical heritage and cultural significance of Kano.
Ibrahim Mukhtar, a resident, said creation of additional emirates, aside bringing government closer to the people, would attract projects like schools, hospitals and other amenities.
He said: “When Ganduje created the emirates, a new hospital and mega schools were approved for each of the emirates. New palaces were also constructed to give the people a sense of pride, as well as identify with their traditional heritage.”
But Ibrahim Ado Kurawa, a renowned historian in Kano Emirate and former special adviser to the then governor Ibrahim Shekarau on research and documentation, believes that to right the wrongs of the past, Governor Yusuf must be decisive. He commended the governor for restoring the over 500-year history of Kano as a single emirate, with Rano, Karaye and Gaya submitting to the authority of the Emir of Kano.
For him, Nigerian politicians have gone for the jugular of traditional rulers, threatening the institution with extinction because some of them tend not to be appendages of the political class.
He believes that traditional rulers are seen primarily as custodians of culture and tradition; and therefore, symbols of religious authority and identity.
Atiku Kurawa, another resident, said the newly created emirates historically served as a buffer or protection zone during the war to guard against invaders.
He said Sarkin Karaye, for example, was responsible for stopping the invading army from Katsina or Damagaram, just as Sarkin Gaya was to protect Kano at the eastern plank against Borno or Ningi.
“Upgrading Gaya and Karaye to emirate status is tantamount to distortion of history. It amounts to politicised revisionism, which must be resisted because no one can change history,” he argued.
But the Chairman of Bichi Development Association, Bello Gambo, an engineer, does not share the same sentiment. He said the dissolution was a source of worry to residents because the emirate brought development to Bichi town.
“The people, and indeed, leaders of Bichi, have endured an onslaught on their right to this emirate. The actions of the judiciary and security agencies have averted the breakdown of law and order in Bichi, and by extension, the other four emirates,” he said.
84 chiefdoms in Taraba
Over 59 new chiefdoms were created by a former governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku and across the 16 local government areas of the state in 2019.
The creation of the new chiefdoms, which was viewed by majority of Taraba people as purely a political agenda, was met with mixed feelings resulting in violence as the case was between Karimjo and Wurkum ethnic groups in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area.
The installation of the chief of Wurkum by the then Governor Ishaku caused crisis between Karimjo and Wurkum ethnic groups.
The Karimjo ethnic group is claiming ownership of Karim-Lamido town; hence they protested the installation of a Wurkum man to rule the place.
Wurkum is one of the major ethnic groups in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area and have been ruling the town for the past 40 years. The new chief succeeded his father, who died some months ago.
The Karimjo ethnic group demanded a chiefdom to be created for them in the same town but the request was not granted by Ishaku.
When the new chief, who was presented with a staff of office along with nine other newly appointed chiefs entered Karim-Lamido town with his entourage, Karimjo youths staged a protest, which turned bloody and about 16 persons were reportedly killed.
Before the creation of new chiefdoms by former Governor Ishaku, the state had six first class chiefs, including the Aku-Uka Wukari, who is also the chairman of the State Council of Emirs and Chiefs.
Other first class chiefs are the Emir of Muri, Kpanti Zing, Gara of Donga, Lamdo Gashaka and the Chief of Mambilla.
The second class traditional rulers are the Chief of Mutum Biyu, Lamido of Gassol, Chief of Lau, Chief of old Muri and Chief of Dakka. Others are the Chief of Bali, Chief of Wurkum, Chief of Kwaji and Chief of Kona.
Similarly, stakeholders in Gassol chiefdom have dragged the Taraba State Government and Governor Ishaku to court for creating Kwararafa chiefdom. They insist that the governor used political and ethnic sentiments to create the new chiefdom.
“We secured court injunction that stopped the governor from installing a chief for Kwararafa pending the determination on the suit we filed challenging the government, but he went ahead and installed the new chief in disregard to court directive,” the stakeholders said.
In Gassol chiefdom, it was learnt that there is still agitation for a new w to be created. The new chiefdom the people are agitating for is Badija; a former senator is said to be the brain behind it.
Stakeholders in various communities where new chiefdoms were created said that rather than uniting the people, the creation and appointment of rulers brought disunity among various communities in the state.
Also, some people are not happy with the creation of nine new chiefdoms out of Wukari in southern Taraba, where the Aku Uka served as paramount ruler.
In all, 84 chiefdoms were created and upgraded for different ethnic groups across 16 local government areas by former Governor Darius Ishaku.
In some areas, the chiefdoms were welcome, but in many communities, it brought hostility among ethnic groups.
In 2014, a former acting governor of the state, Alhaji Garba Umar, appointed Audu Bajju as the new Chief of Mambilla, while former Governor Ishaku created seven additional chiefdoms out of Mambilla, bringing the number of chiefdoms in one local government area to nine.
The former governor, like past governments in the state, did not attend to the vacant stool of Ukwe Takum because of the controversy surrounding the chiefdom, in which the Kutep ethnic group insisted that the stool of Ukwe Takum solely belongs to them.
On the other hand, Chamba and Jukun ethnic groups are also laying claims to the stool, a situation that has been a source of hostility, leading to the killing of many people and destruction of property worth millions of naira.
The former governor also created Kuru Jibu chiefdom out of Bakundi in Bali Local Government Area.
Kuru Jibu chiefdom was created in the same town, where the palace of the traditional ruler is located, not more than three kilometres from the palace of the Chief of Bakundi. Apart from Kuru Jibu chiefdom, additional ones were created out of Bakundi.
In Kurmi Local Government Area, creation of chiefdoms has also caused disaffection among some communities; however, like Kuru Jibu, Kona, Kwararafa and Sansani chiefdoms, among others, residents welcomed the development, saying they now have independence.
Also, shortly after assumption of office, Governor Agbu Kefas created three third class chiefdoms, one for Kutep, one for Chamba and one for Jukun.
The Kuteb, however, rejected the arrangement, but the governor, within hours after creating the three chiefdoms, upgraded Chamba from third class to first class status and presented staff of office to both Chamba and Jukun chiefs at the Government House, Jalingo.
The creation of three chiefdoms in Takum and the appointment of Sopiya Gboshi, a lawyer, as the Ukwe Takum by Governor Kefas after 28 years of chieftaincy tussle in the area, has generated disquiet.
The stool of the Ukwe Takum had been vacant for the past 28 years following the death of the former traditional ruler, Alhaji Ali Amadu of Kutep extraction in 1996.
The Kuteb are now in court challenging the appointment and installation of a Chamba man as a first class traditional ruler for Takum.
Adamawa: The Fombina Emirate
The dismembering of the Fombina Emirate in Adamawa State is a major political and cultural conflict under the current Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, to fulfil an election promise to minority ethnic groups.
The governor’s action, implemented through the creation of 83 new districts and seven new chiefdoms/emirates late in 2024, is rooted in the historical alleged marginalization of groups like the Marghi by the dominant Fulani aristocracy.
The policy significantly reduced the territory and influence of the traditional Adamawa Emirate and introduced a law giving the governor power to depose traditional rulers.
While the governor asserts the changes promote inclusivity and better security, traditionalists rejected what they called the hasty, “slanted” process, warning that the move risks creating instability by suppressing one group to elevate another. The Fufore issue is currently tied up in court as the people rejected the appointed emir.
Some suggest that as a member of a minority group himself, hailing from Madagali, the governor feels a personal connection to the historical grievances of his people.
Weekend Trust spoke with a source close to the Fombina emirate who claimed that the current state government or leadership’s decision to break the Fombina Emirate was done without proper consideration for history, process, or legislative procedures.
The source noted that the swift implementation of the decision suggests political motivations and machinations driving the decision-making process. It was also revealed that the governor had promised minority groups in the state, during his election campaigns, that he would address their specific requests and concerns by dividing the emirate.
The source emphasised that the governor, being a member of a minority group himself from Madagali, felt a deep historical connection to the grievances faced by his people.
“In the historic chiefdom of the Fombina Emirate, ruled by the Fulani leader Hamayaji, a legacy of severe and unsavoury leadership plagued the minority Marghi population and smaller tribes in the region. The creation of 83 districts within the emirate elicited mixed reactions, with some expressing happiness while others harboured reservations,” he said.
The source further explained: “Even among the Fulani aristocracy, there have been requests for the creation of districts, particularly within the Yola metropolis encompassing Yola North and Yola South. The Lamido is aware of these requests and emphasizes the importance of following proper processes in district creation. It is noted that when a district is established within Yola South, for instance, the leadership traditionally falls to the Fulani community, often from the family of the Lamido.”
“It appears that the procedure was not followed and there was undue haste in the decision-making process,” remarked the anonymous source to Weekend Trust.
“The leadership’s swift actions in creating new districts within Yola South and Yola North have raised concerns about the breach of protocol. While there were requests for the creation of these districts, the House of Assembly did not carry out the necessary steps to formalise the process.”
The source continued: “The Lamido, who holds no power over the House of Assembly, did not intervene or express opposition to the districts’ creation since the return to democracy in 1999. If the proper procedures had been followed, the outcome may have been different.
“While some are pleased with the development, others are not. The majority of minority groups, however, welcomed the initiative as a step taken by a minority governor who had pledged to address their concerns, a promise unfulfilled by previous majority governors in Adamawa State.
“It is worth noting that only Admiral Murtala Nyako and Saleh Michika were not from minority tribes; all others have been minorities,” highlighted the source.
The source further highlighted the delicate situation in the Michika area, where the Fulani and Kigi tribes coexist.
“The Fulani community, particularly the Chibunawa family, has historical ties to Michika, with former governor Saleh Michika hailing from this lineage. However, there is a growing sense of displacement among the older generation in Michika, as many have migrated from the surrounding hills without a clear connection to their ancestral homes within the city,” the source explained.
These observations revealed the intricate social fabric and historical dynamics at play in the Fombina region, emphasising the importance of inclusive governance and equitable representation to foster harmony among diverse communities.
Regarding the leadership dynamics in the Hong Kilba area, the source emphasised the importance of respecting historical precedents.
“In the Hong Kilba area, where the previous leadership was Muslim, I would have continued with a Muslim leadership while establishing a separate leadership structure for non-Muslims in Hela or Makera,” the source suggested. “By imposing a non-Muslim leader in Bungan over the longstanding Kilba Muslim family, the governor inadvertently disrupted the traditional power dynamics and introduced tensions within the community,” he said.
The source delved further into the intricacies of governance decisions within the Fombina region, offering insights into the establishment of the Fufore emirate.
The term ‘Nyako’ holds significant meaning, symbolising leadership, fatherhood, or brotherhood in the local context,” the source explained. “In the case of the Fufore Emirate, carved out of the old Adamawa Emirate, the governor had the opportunity to strategically place the capital in Gurin, a historically significant district linked to Modibo Adama’s journey to Sokoto to collect the Calipha flag.”
The source continued: “If I were in the governor’s position, I would have selected a prince from the Fombina Emirate and designated Gurin as the headquarters, a change that would have likely garnered support from the Lamido. Alternatively, renaming the emirate to Ribadu emirate, in honour of the historic figure Mahmudu Ribadu, could have provided a more resonant and culturally significant choice.”
The anonymous source continued to offer strategic insights into the establishment of the Fufore Emirate and the significance of honouring historical roots and cultural heritage within the Fombina region.
“The district of Gurin, located at a distance from Fufore but steeped in historical significance, would have been an ideal choice for the Ribadu emirate,” the source emphasised.
“There is no inherent need for unnecessary changes or innovations that disregard the rich tapestry of local customs and practices that have sustained communities over time.”
The source further elaborated: “We are not facing insurmountable challenges or reaching a point of crisis where radical changes are imperative. Introducing new systems that deviate from established cultural norms and practices, such as the recent law on emir deposition and appointment, may not be beneficial or necessary. Instead of implanting foreign concepts, it is crucial to engage with existing structures, such as the House of Assembly, and work within established frameworks to address any concerns or challenges.”
Sokoto
Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State, last year, signed six new bills, including the amended Sokoto Local Government and Chieftaincy Law into law. The bill had generated intense public interest within and outside the state.
The amendment, which was passed by the State House of Assembly in November last year, transfers the authority to appoint district and village heads from the Sultan of Sokoto to the state government.
Governor Aliyu had explained that the amendment was not targeted at any individual or institution but was aimed at strengthening governance and ensuring clarity in the administration of local leadership.
“We note with concern the unnecessary tension created by our proposal to amend some of these laws. Some of the reactions were politically motivated, while others were made ignorantly without seeking clarification from the right quarters on the details and intentions of the amendment,” he said.
The governor explained that periodic amendment of laws is a normal legislative practice meant to align governance with prevailing realities and the interests of the people.
“In every society, laws are enacted and amended to suit the needs of the time and the interests of the governed in line with prevailing circumstances. Previous administrations had also reviewed various laws to give them the needed touch that would fast-track peace and development,” Aliyu added.
He maintained that the new chieftaincy law was introduced to promote good governance and remove ambiguities and inconsistencies with the Nigerian Constitution.
“Whenever we come across any law that does not serve the interest of our people, we will not hesitate to review or replace it,” the governor stated.
Despite this, sources said there were plans to break the emirates and whittle down the powers of some traditional rulers in the state. Some sources who spoke to Weekend Trust said the last has not been heard of the Sokoto issue.
Yobe
In January 2000, the governor of Yobe State, Bukar Abba Ibrahim created new emirates: Ngazargamo, Gujba, Nguru, Tikau, Potiskum, Yusufari, Gudi, Fune and Jajere. This brought the number to 13 as before then, there were only four emirates when Yobe State was created.
Even then, there were protests as the Emir of Fika, Muhammadu Abali protested the splitting of his emirate and took the government to court. With time he was said to have accepted the change.
Kaduna
Former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi created some of the chiefdoms in Kaduna State during his tenure as the state governor from (1999-2007). It was gathered that he created about 23 chiefdoms mostly in southern part of the state. Weekend Trust findings gathered that the chiefdoms included Atyap Chiefdom: Gwong , Kaninkon, Koro: Ninzo; Numana and Ayu.
Others are Ikulu Chiefdom, Nyenkpa Chiefdom, Saminaka Chiefdom, Kagoro Chiefdom, Jaba Chiefdom, Bajju Chiefdom, Jere Chiefdom, Kajuru Chiefdom, Kauru Chiefdom, Kumona Chiefdom, Adara Chiefdom, Gbagyi Chiefdom and Godogodo Chiefdom.
It was also gathered that the former governor, Nasir El’rufai, also made some recommendations and changes in some of the chiefdoms. For instance, he divided Adara Chiefdoms into two; Kachia Chiefdoms and Kufana Chiefdoms.
Kasim Aliyu Shitu, a lecturer with the General studies Directorate of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi says though the creation of more emirates might be based on demand, it comes with burden.
He said, “All these new emirates; you must create a palace for them. You must give them vehicles, and all necessary demands to be able to make them function as emirs and equally, there were agitations from certain areas too that people are not very much at home with the way those things are being done. He, however, appealed to those who have grievances to be patient and give the process benefit of doubt.
From Ahmed Mohammed (Bauchi) Amina Abdullahi (Yola) Abubakar Auwal (Sokoto) Mohammed Yaba (Kadnua)