The Adamawa State Government is facing legal action over its recent creation of the Fufore Emirate in Fufore Local Government Area. The emirate, established through a bill passed by the State House of Assembly and signed into law by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, was among seven new emirates and chiefdoms created in December 2024 across different parts of the state.
The lawsuit challenging the legality of the Fufore Emirate came to public attention on Wednesday, coinciding with the coronation ceremony of Alhaji Mohammad Sani Ahmadu Ribadu as the Emir of Fufore. The ceremony took place at the emirate headquarters in Fufore town despite ongoing legal proceedings.
Court documents served to the state government contest both the creation of the emirate and the appointment of its first emir. The suit was filed by three prominent individuals—Alhaji Musa Halilu Ahmed, Alhaji Mustapha Dahiru Mustapha, and Alhaji Mustapha Ahmadu—who seek to determine the constitutionality of the government’s decision.
The legal challenge, brought before High Court No. 4 in Yola, lists the Adamawa State Government, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, the State Attorney General, and the newly appointed Emir, Alhaji Mohammad Ribadu, as defendants. The applicants had previously sought an injunction to stop the coronation, but the court declined their request, allowing the event to proceed.
As the legal battle unfolds, the case is expected to test the authority of the state government in creating new emirates and appointing traditional rulers. The outcome could have significant implications for chieftaincy matters and governance in Adamawa State.
