A jubilant atmosphere filled Madagali as the community celebrated coronation in its history, marking a new chapter of hope and progress after years of hardship under Boko Haram's insurgency.
The historic day, Wednesday, 19 February 2025 held at Gulak Township Stadium in Gulak, Madagali Local Government Area, for the presentation of staff of office Second Class Status to Ptil Madagali HRM Ali Danburam was attended by a mammoth crowd who came from far and near, including the state governors of Bauchi, Bala Mohammed; Taraba, Kefas Agbu; and Borno, Babagana Umara Zulum (represented by his deputy, HE Umar Usman Kadafur), as well as traditional rulers, politicians, business people, and technocrats.
Speaking at the ceremony Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri expressed his joy at the successful and peaceful coronation of Dr. Ali Danburam as the new Ptil Madagali.
“For me, the joy of today is three-fold,” the Governor stated, highlighting his personal connection to Madagali, his “root and pride,” and his confidence in Dr. Danburam’s leadership.
The Governor emphasised the significance of the coronation beyond the installation of a traditional ruler. “This coronation… is a reaffirmation of our commitment to justice, fairness, and the restoration of the dignity of our people,” he declared. He described it as “a new beginning; a day when our heritage meets our aspirations.”
Recalling the dark days of Boko Haram’s siege, Governor Fintiri painted a vivid picture of the community's suffering. “We saw our homes burnt, our markets deserted, our places of worship violated, and our loved ones either killed or taken from us,” he recounted. “Families were displaced, schools shut down, and life as we knew it seemed to hang by a thread.” He praised the resilience of the Madagali people, “a land of warriors… whose spirits cannot be broken.”
The Governor highlighted his administration's efforts to restore security and rebuild the community. “When I assumed office as Governor, I made a solemn commitment to restore security, dignity, and hope to our people,” he said. “Together, we fought back, we stood firm, and we prevailed.”
He acknowledged the collaborative efforts with security forces and the unwavering spirit of the people that led to the expulsion of Boko Haram and the return of peace.
Governor Fintiri underscored the importance of the newly established Madagali Chiefdom. “It has long deserved its own Chiefdom,” he asserted. “Our people have waited patiently for this moment of historical recognition.” He affirmed the government’s commitment to the new chiefdom, declaring, “Madagali Chiefdom, like all the emirates and chiefdoms, has come to stay.”
He called upon the community to support the new Ptil Madagali, walk with him, and uphold the values of unity, peace, and progress of Madagali Chiefdom. He urged Dr. Danburam to lead with wisdom, justice, and compassion, describing the role as “a sacred responsibility, a bridge between our past and our future, and a symbol of our identity as a people.” The Governor expressed his belief that Dr. Danburam embodies “a traditionalization of modernity and the modernisation of tradition.”
Looking to the future, Governor Fintiri encouraged the revival of local industries. “I urge His Majesty to lead the charge to revive pottery, Iron Smithing, Garments Making… Animal fattening and Artisanship,” he stated, emphasizing the potential of the Sukur UNESCO World Heritage site and other resources for economic growth.
He also addressed the diverse ethnic groups within the Chiefdom, including Margi, Matakam, Wula, Wagga, Mafa, Vengo, Higgi, Fulani, and Kanuri, urging Dr. Danburam to “weave this diversity into strength” and prioritize security, justice, fairness, and economic growth. He called on district heads to transfer their loyalty to the new emirates and chiefdoms and for the traditional councils to recommend new titles for the district heads.
"Hence, traditional titles acquired from their old emirates and chiefdoms are to be dropped. The constituted traditional councils of the new emirates and chiefdoms, are therefore directed to recommend new titles for the district heads for approval in line with the statutory dictates of the tradition" Governor Fintiri declared.
In his acceptance speech, the Ptil Madagali, HRM Dr Ali Danburam, born on 25 April 1959, into the family of Ptil Danburam, a medical doctor and seasoned administrator, said that he accepted the seat of Ptil Madagali with a sense of responsibility. He acknowledged that true leadership is selfless service and pledged to be committed to serving the people.
He noted that, from ancient times, their ancestors had maintained the tradition of preserving their culture, stressing that the title of Ptil is not just a seat but a service to the people.
The Ptil extended the hand of fellowship to the sons and daughters of Madagali to build the new chiefdom and assured them that he would promote their heritage and culture, ensuring that their children imbibe it.
HRM Ptil Madagali promised to champion education and economic activities, explore agriculture, and, as a physician, work with Governor Fintiri to improve the health sector, calling on the people to work together for the progress of the land.
Ptil Madagali HRM Ali Danburam bestowed on Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri the traditional title of Sal Kasala and Tsasilga of Madagali, which translates as the fearless radiant star that eliminates the suffering of the people.
The Chairman of Madagali Local Government Area, Hon. Musa Shashi, described the Ptil Madagali as a man of the people, with outstanding records in all facets of life, while thanking Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for listening to their plea for the creation of a chiefdom and granting it. He thanked the guests for showing their love by honouring their invitation to mark the historic day of their chiefdom.
In his goodwill message, the former Governor of Adamawa State, HE Barrister Bala James Ngilari, said that, from ancient times, empires had come and gone, but the constant thing in life is change, which, he emphasised, remodels human beings. He urged the citizenry to embrace the new changes Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri had brought to the state, especially the creation of the chiefdoms and emirates.
He charged the Ptil Madagali to be just to all, without regard to tribe or religion, and to ensure that he prioritised the security of lives and property. He encouraged the Ptil to resist any attempt that would lead to the exploitation of the mineral resources abundant in his chiefdom. He announced the Governor's intention to establish and construct a commercial market and a housing estate in Madagali to attract investors.
In his address, the Lamido Adamawa, Alh. Dr Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, who is the Chairman of the Council of Chiefs and Emirs, represented by the Wali Adamawa, Dr Aminu Abdulkadri Mbamba, stated that the state is lucky to have Rt Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri as Governor, who has fought insecurity and transformed the state into a modern city. He stated that the Governor has fulfilled all his campaign promises, including the creation of chiefdoms and emirates. He praised the Ptil Madagali for his kindness and patience with the people, acknowledging his selfless service as a medical doctor to the late Lamido of Adamawa, Alh. Dr Aliyu Musdafa, and the state at large.
The oath of office and allegiance was administered to the Ptil Madagali, HRM Ali Danburam, by the Chief Judge of Adamawa State, Hon. Justice Hapsat Abdulrahaman.