Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
The Board of Trustees of the Zuru Emirate Development Society (ZEDS) has dissolved the organisation’s National Executive Committee led by retired Air Vice Marshal Bala Salau, with immediate effect, and appointed Alhaji Yusuf Wade as its new national president.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the Board of Trustees chaired by the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi Mika’ilu Sami, Sami Gomo III, at his palace in Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by Abdullahi Idris Zuru, Sadaukin Zuru, and reported by multiple Nigerian media outlets. Radio Nigeria reported that the Emirate Council attributed the decision to concerns about the dissolved leadership’s effectiveness in advancing peace, unity, development and security across the emirate.
Emirate Council Gives Reasons for Dissolution
According to the statement, the Emirate Council said the leadership, which assumed office in 2022, had not made what it considered meaningful contributions to education, socio-economic development, infrastructure and security.
The council also alleged that members of the dissolved executive had become disconnected from communities within the emirate, with the statement accusing them of spending much of their time in cities including Abuja, Kaduna, Lagos and Kano.
These claims are allegations made by the Emirate Council and have been reported as the stated reason for the leadership change. They do not, on their own, establish that the former executive failed in every aspect of its activities.
The council further expressed concern about what it described as inadequate consultation between the ZEDS leadership, community leaders and other stakeholders.
According to the statement, stronger engagement with local communities was considered necessary to support government efforts to address infrastructure shortages and security challenges affecting the emirate.
Yusuf Wade Appointed to Lead ZEDS
Following the dissolution, the Board of Trustees appointed Alhaji Yusuf Wade as the new National President of ZEDS.
Wade has been given a mandate to reposition the organisation and strengthen its contribution to development initiatives across the Zuru Emirate.
Among the priorities outlined for the new administration are infrastructure development, financial contributions from Zuru indigenes living across Nigeria and stronger engagement with mining companies through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
The proposed approach is intended to provide additional resources for development projects while encouraging greater participation by Zuru indigenes and businesses operating in the emirate.
Focus on Infrastructure and Community Development
The restructuring comes as the Emirate Council emphasises the need for stronger community-based development efforts.
The new ZEDS leadership is expected to work on initiatives covering infrastructure and other development needs while also building partnerships with companies involved in economic activities within the emirate.
The statement specifically referenced engagement with mining companies through Corporate Social Responsibility memoranda of understanding.
Such partnerships could provide an avenue for communities to seek support for infrastructure and other social development projects, although the actual scope and implementation of the proposed arrangements will depend on subsequent agreements.
The new leadership was also directed to pursue what the statement described as inclusive and non-partisan development involving the different ethnic and religious communities within the emirate.
Emirate Stresses Non-Partisan Development
The statement stressed that ZEDS should operate without political, ethnic or religious discrimination.
The position was linked to the Emir of Zuru’s role as a traditional leader expected to serve communities across the emirate.
The council therefore presented the restructuring as an effort to strengthen the organisation’s development role rather than as a political realignment.
Maintaining a non-partisan approach could also be significant for an organisation seeking contributions and participation from Zuru indigenes across different political and social backgrounds.
Who Is Yusuf Wade?
Wade, the newly appointed ZEDS national president, is described in the statement as an experienced education administrator who retired as a director in the Ministry of Education.
He also previously served as secretary to a committee comprising 16 professors and chaired by former Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, which worked on educational improvement, according to the statement reported by Nigerian media.
His background in education is expected to form part of the experience he brings to the new ZEDS leadership as the organisation takes on a renewed development mandate.
Senior Figures Attend Zuru Meeting
Several prominent figures and representatives of the Zuru Emirate attended the meeting at which the leadership change was announced.
Those listed included Major-General (Senator) Muhammad Magoro, Galadiman Zuru; Lieutenant General Ishaya Bamaiyi, Uban Yakin Zuru; and Justice Danlami Zama Senchi, Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal.
Members of the Zuru Emirate Council, representatives of the emirate’s five chiefdoms, local government chairmen and district heads were also reported to have attended.
What Happens Next?
The immediate task for the new ZEDS administration will be to translate the development priorities outlined by the Board of Trustees into practical programmes.
These include infrastructure initiatives, mobilisation of contributions from Zuru indigenes and engagement with mining companies over Corporate Social Responsibility projects.
The new leadership will also have to establish its working relationship with community leaders and other stakeholders across the emirate, particularly given the Emirate Council’s stated concerns about consultation under the previous administration.
For now, the dissolution of the Bala Salau-led executive and the appointment of Yusuf Wade mark a significant change in the leadership of ZEDS, with the organisation expected to place greater emphasis on community engagement, infrastructure and development across Zuru Emirate.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- Radio Nigeria Kaduna — “Emir of Zuru Dissolves Executives, Zuru Emirate Development Society” (September 30, 2026).
- Punch Newspapers — “Kebbi Emir dissolves emirate executives, appoints new leadership” (October 2, 2026).
- The Bureau Journal — “Emir of Zuru dissolves ZEDS executive, appoints Yusuf Wade” (September 30, 2026).
- Triumph Newspapers — “Zuru Emirate sacks Development Society Executives” (October 1, 2026).
