The Bauchi State Government has suspended the Emir of Lame in Toro Local Government Area, Alhaji Aliyu Yakubu Lame, over allegations of misconduct, including illegal collection of levies, interference in land administration and meddling in mining operations.
The government also constituted a 12-member Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the allegations and submit its findings within three weeks.
The decision, approved by Governor Bala Mohammed, was announced on Saturday in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado.
According to the statement, the government received several formal petitions and intelligence reports from community leaders, stakeholders and security agencies alleging abuse of office and arbitrary exercise of authority by the traditional ruler.
The allegations include unauthorised interference in land administration, illegal collection of levies, interference in the activities of mining companies and other actions considered inconsistent with the responsibilities of a traditional ruler.
The government said the alleged conduct had generated tension within the Lame Emirate and raised concerns over public peace, security and harmonious coexistence.
Gidado disclosed that the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs had earlier sought explanations from the Emir, who subsequently submitted written responses. However, the government reportedly found his explanations unsatisfactory, leading to the establishment of the investigative panel.
He emphasised that the allegations were yet to be established and that the suspended monarch would be given an opportunity to defend himself in line with the principles of natural justice and due process.
The panel is chaired by retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Sani Mohammed. Other members include retired Director of the Department of State Services, Musa Mohammed Yankari, alongside representatives of the police, DSS and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Representatives of the state Ministries of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Development, Toro Local Government Area and the Local Government Service Commission are also members.
The committee is mandated to review petitions, documents and other relevant evidence, invite concerned parties and submit its recommendations to the state government within three weeks.
The government described the suspension as a precautionary administrative measure aimed at ensuring an impartial investigation, preventing possible interference with witnesses and official records, and restoring calm within the emirate.
As part of the conditions attached to the suspension, Aliyu Yakubu Lame was directed to remain within the Lame Emirate unless granted permission by the appropriate authorities.
He was also prohibited from interfering in the administrative, traditional and other official affairs of the Emirate Council pending the conclusion of the investigation.
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 in an acting capacity.
The state government appealed to residents, community leaders, traditional titleholders and youths in Lame Emirate and Toro Local Government Area to remain calm, maintain peace and cooperate with security agencies and the investigative panel.
It reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, due process and the preservation of the integrity of traditional institutions across Bauchi State.
