News Rendezvous

– 38 Inline of Succession of the Hoba Kingdom

Hong, Adamawa State, Nigeria
The Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has officially presented the staff of office to His Royal Majesty, Alheri Bulus Nyako, marking his installation as the first Tol Hoba and ruler of Hong Local Government.

The historic event, held at a newly constructed sporting facility in Hong, was attended by dignitaries, traditional rulers, and community leaders from across the state, marking the dawn of a new era of the rise of kingdoms which history has, had 37 other Monarchs who preceded Tol Hóba Alheri Bulus Nyako.
During his speech at the event, Gov. Fintiri addressed the historical evolution of the Hoba Chiefdom, clarifying that while the Hoba kingdom existed as an autonomous entity in pre-colonial Nigeria, colonial rule led to its decline. Until the government officially recognised the chiefdom in late 2024, the Hoba people had been striving for over a century to regain their graded status.

With Bulus Nyako’s coronation, the Hoba Chiefdom is now formally established, making him the first legally recognised king in contemporary history.
“For over a century, the Hoba people have remained resilient in their pursuit of a graded chiefdom,” Governor Fintiri stated. “This achievement is a testament to your unwavering commitment, tenacity, and collective struggle.”

Governor Fintiri emphasised that the creation of additional emirates and chiefdoms in Adamawa State was driven by a vision to foster unity, enhance governance at the grassroots, and integrate traditional institutions into the state’s governance framework. He highlighted the critical role of traditional leaders in local security, conflict resolution, and community development.
“As a government, we are committed to providing the greatest good for the greater number. The people of Hong Local Government have shown immense support for this administration, and we will continue to work hard to deliver on our promises,” the governor affirmed.
He further outlined his administration’s achievements in pursuit of its 8-Point Agenda, covering security, infrastructure, education, agriculture, commerce, environmental sustainability, and youth and women empowerment. The governor also called on the Hoba people to extend their renowned dedication to education into sports and economic development, leveraging the new sporting facility to nurture local talent.
“With this facility, I urge the Hoba people to add sports to their bold trademark of education. Let us make this a hub for sporting activities, hosting local and national competitions,” he stated.

Addressing the newly crowned Tol Hoba, Governor Fintiri urged him to unite and lead all communities within the 14 districts under his rule. He emphasised the importance of inclusivity and peaceful coexistence among the Fulani, Hausa, Marghi, Hoba, and other ethnic groups within the chiefdom.
“To the Hoba community and the entire people of Hong, this is your chiefdom and your king. You have built an industry of education that has made us all proud. Now, apply the same dedication to nurturing and developing this kingdom,” he urged.
In a grand moment of the ceremony, Governor Fintiri officially handed over the staff of office to His Royal Majesty, Barrister Alheri Bulus Nyako, signifying the beginning of his reign as the first Tol Hoba.
The event was a momentous occasion celebrating the realisation of a long-held aspiration for the Hoba people, marking a new chapter in the cultural and political history of Adamawa State.
Speaking at the occasion, the newly installed Tol Hoba, Bulus Alheri said the event holds a cherished place in the hearts of all Hoba people, “There are two days that will forever be remembered and celebrated by the entire Hong Local Government! The first date is the 23rd of December 2024, the day the Executive Governor made public the creation for the Höbå chiefdom alongside six other Emirates and Chiefdoms. That singular act restored the lost glory, divinity and soul of the Höbå chiefdom. A Chiefdom that was once powerful ascribed by the European historian as one the most well organized structures that could only be compared to that of Egypt and Europe. Your Excellency brought a final victorious conclusion to the struggle of 120 years and now in Hong Local Government we can have a breath of fresh air from the fresh air Governor.

“The second date of historical significance is today the date of my coronation and presentation of the staff of office as the Tøl Höbå by his Excellency Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and it is Valentine’s day. What a great day! His Excellency ‘s choice of February 14th, a date globally recognised for expression of love and affection for my coronation is not a coincidence.

“It is a divine arrangement by God Almighty to enable the good people of Hong Local Government to show their love and affection to you. Your Excellency, we love you, we adore you, we cherish you , we admire you.

“We Love is Excellency for so many reasons. For the good work he is doing in Adamawa State, for bringing development to Hong Local Government and creating the Höbå chiefdom and the appointment of the choice of the people as the Chief of Hóba Chiefdom.
“And now with humility and deep gratitude, I accept this huge responsibility His Excellency has bestowed on me as Tøl Höbå.”
“In that regard your Excellency Höbå chiefdom Council under my leadership will be fair, Just, equitable and I will listen to the wishes and aspirations of my people as we work round the clock to establish peace , security and an enabling environment for sustainable development.
“May I now report that at the executive meeting of the Höbå chiefdom Council January 23, 2025, it was approved that today I will confer on His Excellency the traditional Title of Midala of Hóba Chiefdom, our warrior, hero and champion.”
While Tol Hoba Bulus Alheri Nyako is recognised as first Tol Hóba in modern annals of the Hóba people to be legally recognised, it is on record that there had been about 37 other Tol Hóbas in the chronicles of Hóba history to date.