Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has suspended the Emir of Lame in Toro Local Government Area of the State, Alhaji Aliyu Lame, following multiple petitions from community leaders, relevant stakeholders, and security agencies alleging abuse of office, arbitrary exercise of authority, and other conduct considered inconsistent with the responsibilities and expectations of a traditional ruler.
Lame, who was officially presented with his appointment letter on 25th October 2025, as the first Emir of Lame on Second Class basis following the creation of 13 additional emirates in Bauchi State, is alleged to have unlawfully interfered in land administration, unauthorized collection of levies, undue interference in the operations of mining companies, and other alleged acts of misconduct.
To this effect, the Bauchi State Government approved the constitution of an Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the allegations of misconduct against the Emir, while he (the Emir), remains suspended from office pending the conclusion of the investigation.
In a statement made available by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Bauchi State Governor, Mukhtar Gidado, said the developments had reportedly generated tension within the Lame Emirate and raised concerns over possible threats to public peace, security and harmonious coexistence in the area.
He said the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs had formally requested explanations from the Emir in line with the principles of natural justice, fairness and the right to a fair hearing.
According to him, although the Emir submitted written responses, the government considered the explanations unsatisfactory and decided that a comprehensive and independent administrative investigation was necessary to establish the facts and make appropriate recommendations.
The government, however, emphasised that the allegations remained subject to investigation and that the Emir would be given the opportunity to respond to all the claims against him in accordance with due process.
The Media Aide said the Governor exercised the powers conferred on him by the Bauchi State Chieftaincy (Appointment and Deposition) Law 2026 in approving the constitution of the 12-member panel.
The panel, chaired by DIG Sani Mohammed (rtd), comprises Musa Mohammed Yankari, a retired Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and representatives of the Commissioner of Police, Director of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Natural Resources Development.
Other members include representatives of the Chairman of Toro Local Government Area, Local Government Service Commission and the Director of Chieftaincy Affairs, Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The Director of Administration and Human Resources in the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs will serve as the secretary of the panel.
The panel is expected to conduct a thorough, impartial and independent investigation by examining relevant petitions, documents and evidence, inviting concerned parties and giving the Emir an opportunity to defend himself before submitting its report and recommendations to the government within three weeks.
Explaining the suspension of the Royal Father, he said it was a precautionary administrative measure aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the investigation, preventing possible interference with witnesses and official Emirate records, and reducing tensions within the community.”
Gidado said that during the suspension, the Emir has been directed to remain within the Lame Emirate unless expressly authorised otherwise by the appropriate authority. He is also prohibited from interfering in the administrative, traditional and other official affairs of the Lame Emirate Council.
He said that to ensure continuity in the administration of the Emirate, the Senior Councillor of the Lame Emirate Council, Alhaji Bala Gumau, the Galadiman Lame, has been directed to oversee its day-to-day administrative affairs in an interim capacity pending the conclusion of the inquiry and further directives from the government.
“The Emir of Lame, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Aliyu Yakubu Lame, has been suspended from office with immediate effect pending the conclusion of the administrative inquiry.
“The suspension is a precautionary administrative measure intended to safeguard the integrity of the investigation, prevent possible interference with witnesses and official Emirate records, and reduce tensions within the community.
“Throughout the period of suspension, the Emir is directed to remain within the Lame Emirate unless expressly authorized otherwise by the appropriate authority. He is also directed to refrain from interfering in the administrative, traditional, and other official affairs of the Lame Emirate Council throughout the duration of the suspension,” the statement partly reads.
The state government called on residents of the Lame Emirate, community leaders, traditional titleholders, youths and other stakeholders to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while cooperating with security agencies and the administrative panel throughout the investigation.
Armstrong Bakam
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