By Calvin Anadion Lawan
For nearly five centuries, the Yungur Chiefdom has stood as a testament to resilience, governance, and cultural strength. Led by the Gubo, who served as both Paramount Ruler and High Priest, our Chiefdom had an efficient administrative system that underscored its autonomy and unity.
Supported by the Pagubsa (Council of Kingmakers), the Gubo presided over three major chiefdoms: Ditera, Waltadi, and Suktu. Of these, Gubo Ditera held the most prominence due to the historical role it played in the first settlement from Mokan, also occupying vast lands, and its significant population.
Our people have long been recognized for our resilience.
In 1911, G.B. Webster wrote:
"They are a fine, hardy race. Even when defeated in battle, every man walked away from our troops, but no man ran. The Fulani could not touch them, and they were a terror to many neighboring tribes. They are intelligent, moral, and, when sober, fairly tractable."
The Gubo, as paramount ruler and high priest, underwent rigorous and mysterious tests to ascend to leadership, including escaping from locked rooms and transforming into various forms such as a snake, leopard, fire, or water. These rituals symbolized the Gubo's readiness to lead and protect the Chiefdom.
The Yungur Chiefdom led by Ditera has had 29 generations of Gubos from two ruling clans: Mwapa (Laro) and Bate (Dirma).
These clans were the original scouts during the migration from Mokan, settling near the Ditera mountains. Below is the roll call of Yungur Gubos and their years of reign:
1. Gubo Manta (1st)
2. Gubo Karikei (2nd)
3. Gubo Gindfiro (3rd)
4. Gubo Beu (4th)
5. Gubo Mwanwa (5th)
6. Gubo Whauwa (6th)
7. Gubo Gule (7th)
8. Gubo Wenikon (8th) (1163–1692)
9. Gubo Dimsin (9th) (1692–1812)
10. Gubo Kitirke (10th) (1812–1743)
11. Gubo Demse (11th) (1743–1789)
12. Gubo Dewe (12th) (1784–1810)
13. Gubo Kibpwarad (13th) (1810–1812)
14. Gubo Ndakim (14th) (1812–1823)
15. Gubo Yakusum (15th) (1823–1863)
16. Gubo Bamsin (16th) (1863–1869)
17. Gubo Yongon (17th) (1869–1879)
18. Gubo Trawello (18th) (1879–1882)
19. Gubo Milakbe (19th) (1882–1887)
20. Gubo Aubatum (20th) (1887–1897)
21. Gubo Auferedya (21st) (1897–1910)
22. Gubo Dingene Bamsin (22nd) (1910–1912)
23. Gubo Amakaro Bamsin (23rd) (1912–1914)
24. Gubo (B)agbalan Augubakla (24th) (1914–1929) – Known for fiercely defending Yungur culture and spirituality.
25. Gubo Warma Konkau I (25th) (1929–1934)
26. Gubo Tomdiyo Gido (26th) (1934–1947)
27. Gubo (B)agbalan Augubakla (27th) (1947–1961)
28. Gubo Samdango Kanikanan (28th) (1961–1961)
29. Gubo Alam Tomdiyo (29th) (1961–1962) – Stripped of his staff of office and reduced to District Head of Ditera after colonial restructuring.
After decades of political fragmentation, the Yungur Chiefdom has been restored. Gubo Johnson Diyo Matalo, the 30th Gubo, has been officially recognized by the Adamawa State Government and will soon be crowned as Paramount Ruler, ushering in a new era of leadership.
In 1935, Colonial Senior Archivist Michael Vonyiri recommended establishing the Yungur Federation with Gubo Ditera as President-in-Council, supported by senior Pagubsa from Dirma, Laro, and Pulle, along with the Gubos of Waltadi and Suktu. This vision of unity remains a powerful symbol of our Chiefdom’s historical governance system.
The above highlights our Chiefdom’s remarkable political and cultural legacy, showcasing how our governance structure has endured since the 16th century.
With the restoration our leadership, we stand poised to embrace a future rooted in their proud history and enduring unity.
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