The Bauchi State Government has suspended the Emir of Lame in Toro Local Government Area, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Aliyu Yakubu Lame, pending an investigation into allegations of misconduct against him.
The government has also constituted a 12-member Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the allegations and appointed the Senior Councillor of the Lame Emirate Council, Alhaji Bala Abubakar Gumau (Galadiman Lame), to oversee the day-to-day administration of the emirate in an interim capacity.
The decision was approved by the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, CON, FNIPR, following the receipt of several formal petitions and intelligence reports from community leaders, stakeholders and security agencies.
This was contained in a press statement issued on Saturday, November 14, 2026, by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, MNIPR.
According to the statement, the allegations against the Emir include abuse of office, arbitrary exercise of authority, unlawful interference in land administration, unauthorised collection of levies, undue interference in the operations of mining companies and other conduct considered inconsistent with the responsibilities of a traditional ruler.
The government said the alleged actions had reportedly generated tension within the Lame Emirate and raised concerns about their potential implications for public peace, security and harmonious coexistence in the area.
The statement explained that, in line with the principles of natural justice and the right to fair hearing, the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs had formally requested explanations from the Emir regarding the allegations.
Although the Emir submitted written responses, the government said it considered the explanations unsatisfactory, necessitating a comprehensive and independent administrative investigation to establish the facts and make appropriate recommendations.
It, however, stressed that the allegations remained subject to investigation and that the Emir would be given the opportunity to respond to all the allegations against him in accordance with due process.
The government said the measures were taken in the overriding interest of peace, public order and good governance, pursuant to the powers conferred on the Governor by the Bauchi State Chieftaincy (Appointment and Deposition) Law 2026.
The 12-member panel, which is expected to conclude its assignment and submit its findings and recommendations within three weeks, is chaired by DIG Sani Mohammed (Rtd.).
Other members include Musa Mohammed Yankari, a retired Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and representatives of the Commissioner of Police, State Security Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources Development, Chairman of Toro Local Government Area and the Local Government Service Commission.
The Director of Chieftaincy Affairs, Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, is also a member, while the Director of Administration and Human Resources in the ministry will serve as Secretary.
As part of the conditions attached to his 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 throughout the period of his suspension.
Meanwhile, the appointment of Alhaji Bala Abubakar Gumau as interim administrator is intended to ensure continuity in the administration of the emirate and prevent disruptions to traditional and community governance pending the conclusion of the inquiry and further directives from the government.
The Bauchi State Government reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the dignity, integrity, accountability and sanctity of the traditional institution across the state.
It consequently urged residents of the Lame Emirate, the people of Toro Local Government Area, community leaders, traditional titleholders, youths and other stakeholders to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, while cooperating with security agencies and the Administrative Panel of Inquiry throughout the investigation.