Dumne, Adamawa State – February 6, 2025
The Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has reaffirmed his commitment to traditional leadership and cultural heritage as he officially presented the Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Gubo Johnson Diyo Matalo, as the first Gubo Yungur of Yungur Chiefdom. The historic ceremony took place in Dumne on February 6, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the recognition of the Yungur people’s traditional leadership.
Governor Fintiri, in his address, described the occasion as a major achievement for the Yungur people and the state at large. He emphasized that the creation of Yungur Chiefdom was part of his administration’s broader agenda to restore the dignity of communities and correct historical injustices. He noted that for too long, the Yungur people had been under the traditional rule of others, a situation his government had now rectified.
“It might interest some people to note that I am not only a grassroots politician but also a historian. I know the history of our people, and I also know that God has bestowed on me a solemn responsibility to re-shape the history of our state,” Fintiri stated. “Historically, there has been no justification for the Yungur people to be subjected under the traditional rule of anybody else. Today, I am glad to have rectified this anomaly.”
The Governor assured the people that Yungur Chiefdom is here to stay, pledging that no force would be allowed to undermine its existence. He reiterated his government’s commitment to constitutional principles, social justice, and the security of all citizens.
Governor Fintiri highlighted the vast potential of the Yungur Chiefdom, describing it as a land blessed with fertile soil, rich mineral resources, and a resilient population. He called on the new Gubo to leverage these opportunities for economic growth, particularly in agriculture and livestock development, which could position the chiefdom as a key contributor to Adamawa State’s economy.
Recognizing the diversity of Yungur Chiefdom, which is home to various ethnic groups, including the Mboi, Bata, Gudu, Higgi, Hona, Fulani, Ga’anda, and Lala, the Governor urged the people to embrace unity. He warned against ethnic and religious divisions, emphasizing that the prosperity of the chiefdom depends on peaceful coexistence.
“My government will not hesitate to take decisive actions against anything or anyone that stands in the way of unity, peace, and progress in our dear state,” he asserted.
Governor Fintiri praised Gubo Johnson Diyo Matalo’s extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, expressing confidence that he would bring valuable leadership skills to his new role. He described the Gubo as a calm, gentle, and peace-loving leader whose reign is expected to bring stability and progress to the chiefdom.
He also urged the new traditional ruler to prioritize key issues such as security, justice, and youth empowerment. Noting the increasing challenges of herder-farmer conflicts, crime, and drug abuse, the Governor called on the Gubo to implement measures that would promote peaceful coexistence and harness the energy of the youth for positive development.
The coronation of His Royal Majesty, Gubo Johnson Diyo Matalo, was met with widespread jubilation among the Yungur people, who had long advocated for their own traditional leadership. Governor Fintiri congratulated the new ruler and called on the people to support his reign in order to build a prosperous and peaceful chiefdom.
“It is now my honour to present the Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Gubo Johnson Diyo Matalo, as the Gubo Yungur,” the Governor announced, officially ushering in a new era for the Yungur people.
With this latest coronation, Governor Fintiri continues his administration’s restructuring of Adamawa’s traditional institutions, following similar recent appointments across the state. The creation of new chiefdoms and emirates under his leadership reflects his vision for greater inclusivity and cultural preservation in Adamawa State.
