Yohanna Madaki

Colonel Yohanna Ateyan Madaki (1941–2006) was Governor of Gongola State and then of Benue State, Nigeria during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.

Background
Yohanna Madaki was born in 1948 in Zuturum, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area in Kaduna State. After completing his primary education he enlisted as a private in the Nigerian Army. He progressed to Nigeria Defence Academy, Kaduna, receiving a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the Army on completion of his course. He saw active service during the Nigerian civil war. Later he served in various posts, including Colonel General Staff in the 2nd mechanized division, Ibadan. He was posted to the Nigerian Army Legal Services Department, 1984–85, and was a member of the Special Military Tribunal, Ibadan Zone (1984–1985). While posted in Ibadan, he read for his Law Degree at the University of Ibadan, completed his studies at the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Bar in 1985.

Military Governor
Yohanna Madaki was appointed Governor of Gongola State in 1985, and was posted from Gongola State to Benue State as the Military Governor from August to September 1986. In his brief administration of Benue State he was not able to achieve much. While governor of Gongola State in 1985, in a controversial action he sacked the Emir of Muri in the present day Taraba State, saying "I have dealt a lethal blow to feudalism." His grounds were the confiscation of land by the Emir from the local people. The land was returned to the original owners.

Later career
Yohanna Madaki retired in 1986 and entered legal practice in Kaduna. He was engaged in many legal battles, often providing service free of charge to needy people, particularly those in the military. He engaged in a prolonged legal battle to save former military governor of Rivers State, Major General Zamani Lekwot from execution. In later years he became the national legal adviser of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). In this role, in May 2003 he described a trip to various countries of the campaign organisation of All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, as an act of treason.

Colonel Yohanna Ateyan Madaki (rtd) died on 21 May 2006 in a London hospital after a brief illness.