By Muh'd Shafi'u Saleh The creation of Huba Chiefdom in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State by Governor Ahmadu U...
The creation of Huba Chiefdom in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has marked the end of a struggle that lasted for over 120 years.
Chairman of the Coronation Committee and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Idi Aliyu Hong, made this known during a press conference in Yola on Tuesday.
He stated that the emergence of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, CON, as Governor of Adamawa State was a turning point in the long-standing quest for the independence of the Huba Chiefdom.
“With a track record of fairness, justice, equity, transparency, courage, inclusiveness, and attentiveness to the wishes and aspirations of the people, it was not surprising that His Excellency created the Huba Chiefdom, along with six other Emirates and Chiefdoms across the state, in December 2024. By taking that action, His Excellency brought an end to a struggle that lasted for over 120 years,” Dr. Hong said.
On January 3, 2025, Governor Fintiri approved the appointment of Töl Alheri Bulus Nyako as Töl Huba. Unlike previous approvals, this time, the governor established legal frameworks, administrative structures, and governance procedures to support the Chiefdom.
Today, February 11, 2025, Töl Alheri Bulus Nyako is officially receiving the Staff of Office as Töl Huba from Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri. Additionally, the governor created new districts within Huba Chiefdom, increasing the total number to fourteen. These include Hong, Shangui, Pella, Uding, Kulinyi, Hyema, Gaya, Hildi, Mugwahi, Mayo Lope/Gashala, Uba, Mufa, Dugwaba, and Yadul.
Dr. Idi Hong recounted the long history of the struggle for the Huba Chiefdom, stating that three independent chiefdoms in Adamawa Province were originally answerable only to the British colonial authorities. In recognition of their governance structure, the first Resident of Yola Province, Mr. G. N. Barclay, recommended in 1902 that the Chief of Kilba be granted First Class status.
On March 27, 1906, the Assistant Chief High Commissioner’s Office in Zungeru approved Second Class Staff of Office for the Chief of Kilba and the Chief of Bachama. However, while Bachama received the recognition, Huba was denied the same status.
Again, on August 14, 1986, Col. Yohanna Madaki, then Governor of Gongola State, approved the upgrading of Kilba Chiefdom to Second Class status based on colonial records. This was followed by another approval for Second Class status on July 1, 1988, under Governor Group Captain Jonah D. Jang.
Despite these approvals, Huba Chiefdom remained unrecognized. Instead, leaders who spearheaded the struggle for its independence faced harassment, intimidation, and even punishment.
With Governor Fintiri’s intervention, the long-awaited recognition has now become a reality, ending more than a century of struggle and paving the way for the Huba people to govern their affairs within a legally recognized framework.
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