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From Paul Orude, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has suspended the Emir of Lame, Alhaji Aliyu Yakubu Lame, over allegations of abuse of office, unlawful interference in land administration and unauthorised collection of levies, among other alleged misconduct.
Governor Bala Mohammed approved the immediate suspension and constituted a 12-member Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the allegations and submit its report within three weeks.
The state government, in an official statement, said the decision followed several petitions and intelligence reports from community leaders, stakeholders and security agencies over activities allegedly capable of threatening peace, security and peaceful coexistence in the Lame Emirate.
Other allegations against the traditional ruler include undue interference in the operations of mining companies and arbitrary exercise of traditional authority.
The government said the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs had earlier requested a written explanation from the Emir in line with the principles of fairness and the right to a fair hearing.
Although the Emir responded to the allegations, his explanations were considered unsatisfactory, prompting the government to establish an independent panel to investigate the matter.
It stressed, however, that the allegations remained unproven and that the suspended monarch would be given the opportunity to defend himself before the panel.
The panel is chaired by a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Sani Mohammed, while a retired Director of the Department of State Services, Musa Mohammed Yankari, is among its members.
Other members represent the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Natural Resources Development, the Toro Local Government Council and the Local Government Service Commission.
The Director of Chieftaincy Affairs in the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs will also serve on the panel, while the ministry’s Director of Administration and Human Resources will act as secretary.
The panel is expected to examine the petitions, review relevant documents and evidence, invite concerned parties, hear the Emir’s defence and submit its findings and recommendations to the state government within three weeks.
The government also directed the suspended Emir to remain within the Lame Emirate throughout the investigation, except where permission to travel is granted by the appropriate authority.
He was further prohibited from performing or interfering in the traditional, administrative and official affairs of the Emirate Council pending the conclusion of the inquiry.
According to the government, the measures were approved under the Bauchi State Chieftaincy (Appointment and Deposition) Law 2026 as a precautionary step to protect the integrity of the investigation, prevent possible interference with witnesses and official records, and maintain peace in the community.
Meanwhile, the Senior Councillor of the Lame Emirate Council, Alhaji Bala Abubakar Gumau, popularly known as Galadiman Lame, has been directed to oversee the day-to-day administration of the emirate pending the outcome of the investigation.
The arrangement, the government said, is intended to ensure continuity in traditional leadership and community administration during the period of the Emir’s suspension.
The state government appealed to residents of the emirate, traditional titleholders, community leaders, youths and other stakeholders in Toro Local Government Area to remain calm and law-abiding.
It also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and the investigative panel and to avoid actions capable of escalating tensions or undermining the inquiry.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the dignity and integrity of traditional institutions while ensuring accountability, due process and the principles of natural justice in the handling of the matter.
