Normally in the northern traditional style of leadership, if status or title is given to a particular person, no one can seize that position from him except the emir or in the event of death. This has been the practice for so long. However, in the case of the son of ex-vice president Atiku Abubakar a new history was created. He was turbaned as ‘Sardauna of Ganye’ in an elaborate ceremony that was organised by the Emir of Ganye. The death of Waziri created a power vacuum in the traditional council. The royal traditional council appointed Atiku Abubakar as the new Waziri. As such, the system forbids anyone from holding a dual position. That is how his son inherited his former position called Sardauna....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Currently, the son of former ex-vice President known as Alhaji Adamu Atiku serves as the honourable commissioner of works and energy in Adamawa state. This is his first time to hold a strategic political office in the state. His emergence to the traditional role is more of luck or chance considering the fact that the position was not vacant until after the promotion of his father as the new Waziri of Adamawa state.
The traditional system of leadership is not very complicated in the northern part of the country. The Emir is always the overall leader who oversees all functions and activities related to the traditional council. He appoints a Waziri who becomes the chief adviser to the traditional leader. According to the traditional customs, the chief adviser will never become an Emir but holds significant influence in the palace.
The chief adviser also chairs the council of kingmakers who decide the line of succession in the event of the king’s death. This is why the position is considered strategic and highly revered in the northern traditional system. Dignitaries, prominent political personalities, and business tycoons honoured the occasion. They witnessed the creation of a new history in the state.