The 18th Emir of Zaria, Dr. Shehu Idris has passed away after a protracted illness. He was aged 84.
Governor of Kaduna, Nasir el-Rufai, confirmed the incident in a statement, stating that Dr. Shehu Idris died in the early hours of Sunday at the 44 Military hospital in Kaduna.
Prior to his death, he was the Chairman of Zazzau Emirate Council and Kaduna State Emirate Council. The emir, who was aged 84 at the time of his death, had celebrated his 45th year on the throne in February 2020.
He ascended the throne on February 8, 1975, following the demise of Alhaji Muhammadu Aminu, the 17th Emir of Zazzau.
In a statement signed by Muyiwa Adekeye, special adviser on media and communication to the governor, el-Rufai condoled with the family of the late emir and the people of Zazzau emirate.
“Throughout his long reign of 45 years, HRH Dr. Shehu Idris worked hard for the people of Zazzau Emirate. He offered wise counsel and was committed to the goals of improving health outcomes for all our people, raising school enrolment, and peace and security in the state,” the statement read.
“He demonstrated dedication in his roles as chairman of the Kaduna State Council of Chiefs and a member of the State Security Council.
“The state will miss his experience, institutional memory, and wisdom. We pray Allah to grant him aljanah firdaus.
Also expressing his condolence was Senator Bala Ibn NaAllah representing Kebii South.
He prayed to Allah to grant the deceased Emir, aljana Firdausi; the family, Zazzau emirate, the entire people of the Emirate, and the entire Northern Traditional Rulers Council the fortitude to bare the loss.
InlandTown! 2020
