Ibrahim Bello, Emir of Gusau, dies at 71

Ibrahim Bello, the Emir of Gusau, has died at the age of 71.

Bello passed away on Friday morning in Abuja after a prolonged illness.

In a statement on Friday, Sulaiman Bala Idris, spokesperson to Dauda Lawal, governor of Zamfara, described the monarch’s death as a “personal loss”.

Lawal said the emir was a supportive royal father who worked tirelessly for the state’s development.

“I received with deep sadness the news of the passing of our father, His Royal Highness, Dr Ibrahim Bello, the Emir of Gusau,” the statement reads.

“I express my heartfelt condolences to the Zamfara state council of chiefs, the immediate and extended families of the late emir, Gusau emirate, and the entire people of Zamfara state.

“His highness’s passing is a huge loss for the people of Zamfara state, as well as for the north and Nigeria as a whole.

“The late royal father dedicated 10 years to serving the people after becoming the 15th Emir of Gusau on 16 March 2015. He led with commitment, dedication and a strong sense of faith.

“The late emir was an accomplished civil servant who rose to the position of permanent secretary during his service in old Sokoto and Zamfara states.

“I have lost a confidant and a father whose wisdom guided me and other state leaders. May the Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah.”