The people of Hong in Adamawa State are in celebration mood over the restoration of their chiefdom.
The coronation of their paramount chief, the Töl Alheri Bulus Nyako as the new ruler of the Huba Chiefdom is slated for Friday, February 14, 2025.
The people who spoke through one of their leaders, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Idi Hong, recalled that the Huba Chiefdom was restored in December last year after it was degraded to an ‘ungraded district head’ and placed under the Adamawa Emirate by the colonial masters.
During a press briefing on the restoration of the chiefdom by the state government, Idi Hong who led some leaders of the Hong people to the NUJ Press Centre in Yola, recalled to newsmen that despite multiple approvals for the chiefdom’s restoration, most notably in 1906, 1986, and 1988, none were implemented.
He said, “Attempts to revive the Huba monarchy were met with intimidation and resistance.”
According to him, the major breakthrough came in December 2024 when Governor Ahmadu Fintiri signed the bill creating the Huba Chiefdom alongside six other chiefdoms and emirates across Adamawa State.
“This decision brought an end to a long-standing struggle for independence and self-determination.”
Expressing optimism that the chiefdom has come to stay, Idi Hong said, “Unlike previous approvals that were never implemented, this time, legal frameworks, administrative structures, and governance procedures were put in place to ensure the sustainability of the Chiefdom.”
He said the planned coronation of the Töl Alheri Bulus Nyako on Friday would mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Huba people.
