Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, Nigeria, today presented a staff of office to the Gubo Yungur, HRM Johnson Diyo Matalo.
The Yungur Chiefdom, which existed for several years to Nigeria's independence, was demoted to a district and incorporated into the Adamawa Emirate. Agitation by the people resulted in the approval of the chiefdom's restoration by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri on 23 December 2024, after the State House of Assembly passed the “Adamawa State Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) and Matters Incidental Thereto” bill into law on 10 December.
Mr Johnson Diyo Matalo was announced as Gubo Yungur (Third Class Status) among the newly created chiefdoms and emirates on 3 January 2025.
Gubo Johnson Matalo, born on 2 January 1951 in Prambe, Song Local Government Area, is a direct descendant of the legendary Gubo Angbalan Agubakta, who reigned twice, in 1914–1929 and 1947–1961.
Presenting the staff of office to the Gubo Yungur, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri disclosed that the recent creation of the Yungur Chiefdom, along with other chiefdoms and emirates, resulted from the aspirations of the state's people.
He noted the distortion of the history of communities in Adamawa, announcing his knowledge of the state's history, having been not only a grassroots politician but also a historian.
"Historically, there has been no justification for the Yungur people to be subjected to the traditional rule of anyone else. Today, I am glad to have rectified this anomaly. This is what they want, and we have given them what they want," Governor Fintiri stressed.
"Let me seize this opportunity to assure you that the Yungur Chiefdom has come to stay. By the grace of God and the will of our people, no one or nothing will tamper with it.
"As your Governor, I wish to reiterate my firm pledge to do whatever is constitutionally right to restore the dignity of our people, uplift their standard of living, and ensure the security of their lives and property.
"We shall also strive to promote our people’s strong values and rich traditions."
The state governor highlighted the chiefdom's significant potential for economic growth, citing its fertile land, abundant livestock, mineral deposits, and resilient population. He emphasised that proper utilisation of these resources could transform the Yungur Chiefdom into a major food producer for the entire state.
Governor Fintiri stressed the importance of unity among the Yungur Chiefdom's diverse ethnic groups, including the Yungur, Mboi, Bata, Gudu, Higgi, Hona, Fulani, Ga’anda, and Lala. He urged residents to embrace their diversity as a strength, not a weakness, and to live peacefully together, regardless of ethnic or religious background. He warned that his government would take firm action against anyone or anything jeopardising the state's unity, peace, and progress.
Congratulating the new Gubo, the governor acknowledged his distinguished career in both the public and private sectors, expressing confidence that his experience would be invaluable in his new role. He also noted the Gubo’s calm and peaceful nature, anticipating a tranquil and progressive reign.
The governor called upon Gubo Matalo to prioritise security, justice, fairness, equity, tolerance, and solidarity within the chiefdom. He specifically tasked the Gubo with minimising herder-farmer conflicts and establishing a model of harmonious coexistence. Furthermore, he urged the Gubo to develop strategies to engage the area’s youth, steering them away from drug abuse, idleness, and crime, and encouraging their involvement in education, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and community development. The governor reiterated that Adamawa State is progressing positively.
In his acceptance speech, the Gubo Yungur, HRM Gubo Johnson Diyo Matalo, thanked Governor Fintiri for the creation of the seven emirates and chiefdoms. He said that this gives the Yungur people a strong voice and identity, while assuring him that he would lead his subjects with justice, humility, and the fear of God. He promised to uphold the laws and guidelines establishing the Adamawa emirate and chiefdoms' creation.
He committed himself to working for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect for all people in the chiefdom, as well as collaborating with relevant security agencies to tackle security challenges in the chiefdom.
The Song Local Government Area Chairman, Hon. Idris Yahaya, announced that the Yungur chiefdom would promote peaceful coexistence and assured that the relationship between the traditional institution and the executive arm of government would be cordial to champion development.
On his part, the Lamido Adamawa, HRH Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, said Governor Fintiri had made a landmark by transforming Adamawa into a city and providing the needs of the people who elected him, including the coronation that began yesterday. Represented by Alh. Abdulkadri Mbamba, the Lamido prayed for God to guide the Gubo Yungur and enjoined him to rule accordingly.
While the National President of the Yungur Development Association (YADA), Mr Philemon Amtonbita, thanked Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for upholding justice by restoring the Yungur chiefdom, adding that the governor's justice to the Yungur chiefdom would remain historical. He assured that the Yungur chiefdom would ensure peace exists among them and that they would remain loyal to the administration of Governor Fintiri.
Elder Statesman, Hon. Justice Adamu Hobon (rtd), praised Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for giving the Yungur Chiefdom all that they requested, including road infrastructure, healthcare, among others.
Recalling past events, he mentioned that in the defunct Gongola State (which was divided into Adamawa and Taraba States), a motion was raised by a member in the House of Assembly for the creation of new chiefdoms, which resulted in the burning down of the House of Assembly. He praised Governor Fintiri for restoring the Yungur Chiefdom, which, according to him, was reduced to a district for decades.
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