Opinion
The New Ptil, Fintiri, and History
By Zayyad I. Muhammad
A true son or daughter not only cherishes their roots and history but also passionately nurtures and safeguards them.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has not only won the hearts of his people but has also written his name in the sands of time.
From now until eternity, whenever the royal chiefdom and seat of the Ptil are mentioned, the name Fintiri will resonate in the minds of the people.
From Gulak to Madagali, through the mountains of Gwoza, the savannah grasslands of Damboa, the undulating hills of Duhu, the seasonal watercourse of Isge, the stunning mountains of Cameroon, and the distant wetlands and floodplains of Chad, the Marghi people are not only overjoyed but also witnessing the realization of a long-held dream with the establishment of their own Ptil.
The Ptil holds historical and cultural significance not only in Madagali and Gulak but also in the regions mentioned above, symbolizing authority, leadership, and the protection of the Marghi people’s customs and traditions, wherever they may be in the world.
Historically, His Royal Highness, the Ptil has been a central and revered figure in the governance structure of his people, playing a crucial role in shaping their social order, traditions, and leadership. Beyond his political duties, the Ptil is also deeply woven into the cultural fabric of the community, embodying their values, customs, and collective identity.
The royal seat of the Ptil has been passed down through a hereditary line, with the holder typically chosen from the royal family or an influential lineage within the community. The Ptil has traditionally held both political and spiritual authority, ensuring the preservation of customs, resolving disputes, and overseeing the welfare of the people. The new Ptil, HRH Alh. Dr. Ali Danburam (MBBS, FWACP, FCCP), continues this legacy, having inherited the role from his grandfather and father. The new Ptil is not only well-educated and urbane but also a friend to a wide range of people, embodying the values of inclusivity and understanding. Some people, despite not having a particular inclination toward royalty, are deeply excited and highly enthusiastic about the ascension of the new Ptil.
History will not only be kind to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for restoring the Ptil royal stool, but he will also be remembered as one of the shining symbols in the history and resurgence of the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Ptil’s chiefdom and its people, wherever they may be.
The Ptil, historically, is not a new institution; the royal stool has long played a pivotal role in fostering unity and strengthening relations between various ethnic groups and surrounding geographical regions.
Like any kingdom or chiefdom, the Ptil stool has evolved over time, particularly influenced by modern governance structures and the shifting dynamics within its territory, people, and neighbors. With HRH Alh. Dr. Ali Danburam (MBBS, FWACP, FCCP) as the new Ptil of Madagali, the Chiefdom has seamlessly blended modernity with its rich cultural heritage. As a result, the name Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has earned a special place in the history of the Ptil, the chiefdom, and its entire people.
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