By Muhammad B. Muhammad
In a historic ceremony held on Saturday at the Lamido’s Palace in Yola, the Adamawa State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Mijinyawa Yayaji, was formally turbaned as the 9th Marafa Adamawa.
The ceremony was performed by His Royal Highness, the Lamido of Adamawa, Dr. Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustafa. Also turbaned during the colourful occasion was Alhaji Bappa Adamu, who was conferred with the title of Maidawa Adamawa.
Speaking at the event, the Lamido of Adamawa, Dr. Barkindo Aliyu Mustafa, said the Marafa Adamawa title is a long-standing traditional title dating back to the era of Lamido Abba in 1919, adding that it was conferred on Mijinyawa in recognition of his contributions to peace and development in Adamawa State.
The royal father, whose remarks were read by the Galadima Adamawa, urged the newly installed titleholders to serve as worthy ambassadors of the emirate and to protect the sanctity of the traditional institution in the promotion of peace, unity, and development.
Responding on behalf of the new titleholders, the Marafa Adamawa, Alhaji Ibrahim Mijinyawa Yayaji, adorned in silver-coloured traditional regalia, expressed gratitude to the Lamido of Adamawa for the honour and to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for endorsing the appointments.
He pledged to work closely with other members of the Adamawa Emirate Council to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the emirate and Adamawa State at large through purposeful representation and collaboration.
Dignitaries at the event included Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Awwal Tukur, and the Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly,
Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley.
Others in attendance were former governors Boni Haruna and Senator Bindow Umar Jibrilla, former Deputy Governor Senator Bello Tukur, the Emir of Fufore, Alhaji Sani Ribadu, the Gangwari Ganye, Alhaji Umaru Sanda, the Kumo of Gombi, among other traditional rulers and political leaders.
Highlights of the ceremony included cultural displays, musical performances, and a mini durbar, as the celebrants paid homage to the Lamido of Adamawa in appreciation of the titles conferred on them.
The new Marafa Adamawa, Alhaji Ibrahim Mijinyawa Yayaji, was born on April 15, 1965, in Adamawa State. A seasoned public administrator, he is widely regarded as a grassroots politician who began his political career as a Councillor in Yola North Local Government Area, representing his ward, before serving as Chairman of the Local Government Council.
He first served as Commissioner for Lands and Survey during the Bindow-led administration and was later reappointed to the same position. He is currently serving as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs under the administration of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
