Lamido of Adamawa, Atiku Abubakar Absent at Yola Eid Kabir Ground

For the first time in years, both the Lamido of Adamawa, Dr. Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha, and the Waziri of Adamawa, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, were noticeably absent from this year’s Eid-el-Kabir prayers in Yola, raising eyebrows across the state.

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President of Nigeria and a senior traditional titleholder in the emirate, usually returns home to Yola for religious celebrations. But this year, he observed Eid prayers at the AYA Central Mosque in Abuja, far from the community where his traditional title carries weight.

The Lamido, who traditionally leads the prayers at the Yola Eid ground, was also not present. He was represented by the Galadima of Adamawa, Alhaji Mustapha Aminu.

Many residents noted that the Lamido has not been seen at public Sallah prayers in recent times. His continued absence is fueling speculation about a possible decline in the visibility and influence of the emirate’s leadership.

The no-show by both figures comes at a time when traditional authority in Adamawa appears to be shrinking.

Last year, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri signed a controversial law that reduced the number of local government areas under the Lamido’s control from eight to three—Girei, Jimeta, and Yola. The move has sparked quiet protests within traditional institutions.

The law also affects titleholders like Atiku, whose influence as Waziri used to extend far beyond the current boundaries.

With the emirate’s two most prominent figures absent during one of the most important festivals in the Muslim calendar, many locals say the silence felt this year was louder than words. Some see it as a sign of changing times, where politics and tradition are increasingly pulling in different directions.

No official reason has been given for their absence.

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