History was made in Hong today as the Hoba Chiefdom celebrated the coronation of its first king in over a century, His Royal Majesty, Bar. Alheri Bulus Nyako. The ceremony, held at a newly constructed sporting facility, marked the culmination of a long and arduous struggle by the Hoba people for recognition of their traditional leadership.
Addressing the jubilant crowd, the Governor of Adamawa State, Rt Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri emphasised the historical significance of the event. “Archival sources indicate that the Hoba kingdom has been an autonomous kingdom with a central administration and a king in pre-colonial Nigeria,” the Governor stated, correcting what he described as a “historical error” gaining currency.
He explained that while the kingdom had existed, it had been reduced to a district under colonial rule, with previous rulers not gazetted as graded kings.
“So, in the eyes of the law and the history of contemporary Nigeria, this is the first time we are actually having the Hoba Chiefdom and His Royal Majesty, Bar. Alheri Bulus Nyako, is indeed the first Hoba King.”
The Governor commended the Hoba people for their unwavering determination.
“For over a century and transcending generations, the Hoba people have kept faith with the struggle to have a graded chiefdom. I must commend your resolute resilience, tenacity, and courage. Perhaps, we are today, where we are because you refused to waver.”
The creation of the seven new emirates and chiefdoms, the Governor explained, was driven by a desire to “bestow dignity on the citizens, foster greater unity among the people… and take governance closer to areas of difficult reach.” He added that the move also aimed to “strengthen the governance system at the local level… conflict resolution and arbitration machinery and security architecture,” and to “deepen the democratic culture.”
Reiterating his government’s commitment to the people of Adamawa State, particularly the Hoba community, the Governor pledged continued development across various sectors, from security and infrastructure to education and agriculture. “One thing, I can assure you is that this is a new chapter in Adamawa state where no one is left behind and nothing is left untouched.”
He expressed particular delight that the coronation took place at a new sporting facility, a project aimed at engaging the youth. “With this facility, I call on the Hoba, to add the industry of sport to your bold trademark which is education,” he urged.
Addressing the newly crowned King, the Governor called on him to unite the diverse communities under his rule.
“Today, beyond the Hoba people, you have 14 districts under your rule. You are the king of everyone in Hong Local Government. You must lead and unite everyone; from the Fulani, Hausa, Marghi, Hoba to every other nationality who finds himself in the land to build a great and thriving kingdom.”
Governor Fintiri encouraged the Hoba community to support their king and nurture their chiefdom. “You have waited long enough for this day. I believe, of all the newly created chiefdoms and emirates, no one appreciates the value of collective struggle and collective support as much as you do. Nurture and grow your chiefdom for it represents who you are as a people. Support your king, for he is the symbol of your ancestral struggle and agitation.” He expressed confidence in the community’s ability to build a “revered kingdom” under the new Tol Hoba.
In his acceptance speech, the Tòl Həba, HRM Barrister Alheri Bulus Nyako, who was born on 1 August 1961 in Pella and is a lecturer, administrator, and legal practitioner, said that the Huba Kingdom in pre-colonial Nigeria was a great kingdom, comparable to those of Egypt and Europe.
He thanked Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for appointing him as the Tol Huba, stating that the appointment reflects the choice of the people.
He stated that the Huba people are educated, dynamic, and loyal, expressing optimism that they would champion the development of their community.
He assured the governor that he would follow his successful template, which has led Adamawa to growth and development.
The Tol Huba announced the conferment of the title of Midala of Høba on Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri. According to the Tol, the title translates as 'Chief of Defence of the Huba Chiefdom'.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Bathiya Wesley, said that history had been made in Kilba land by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who believes in unity, peace, and justice, by giving their people a Second Class Staff of Office. He emphasised that the Huba people are peaceful, law-abiding, and had patiently waited for the time when their Staff of Office would be given to them. The Speaker applauded the members of the House for the support they have given to the present administration in achieving these successes.
The Senator representing the Northern Zone, Rt Hon. Iya Abbas, described the Tol Huba as a philanthropist and humanitarian, as testified by the number of guests who attended the coronation. He said that the installation of the Tol Huba by Governor Fintiri is a welcome development, as the Huba people had struggled for it for several years.
The Chairman of Hong Local Government Area, Hon. Inuwa Usman Wa'aganda, thanked Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for making their dream of receiving a Staff of Office a reality.
He assured the Chiefdom and the administration of Governor Fintiri of the support of Hong LGA.
The Lamido of Adamawa and Chairman of the Adamawa State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, HRH Alh Dr Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, represented by the Wali Adamawa, Dr Aminu Abdulkadri, said that it is a known fact that Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri gives the people what they want. He congratulated the Tol Huba, saying that the Tol is a technocrat, and expressed optimism that he will discharge his duties accordingly. He charged the Tol to be just to all.
In his goodwill message, elder statesman Major General Haldu Anthony Hannaniya thanked Governor Fintiri for preserving the cultural heritage of the Huba people, calling him a fearless governor who prioritises justice for all. He acknowledged the support of the sons and daughters of the Huba land and their friends during the process and installation of the Tol Huba. He enjoined the people of Huba to give maximum cooperation to the Tol Huba to succeed.
The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Major General Zakaria Yaduma (retired), while welcoming the guests, described Governor Fintiri as a man of fairness and justice, who had approved their request for a Staff of Office, for which they had struggled for over a century. He added that the governor had approved the Tol Huba, HRM Alheri Bulus, who, he said, is the people's choice and their desire.