Ibrahim Bello, Emir of Gusau, dies at 71
Dr. Ibrahim Bello, the Emir of Gusau and a respected traditional ruler in Zamfara State, has died at the age of 71.
The monarch passed away on Friday morning in Abuja after battling a prolonged illness. His death has been described as a significant loss to the state and northern Nigeria.
In a statement on Friday, Sulaiman Bala Idris, spokesperson to Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, confirmed the death and relayed the governor’s deep sorrow over the monarch’s passing.
“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 read.
“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.”
Bello became the 15th Emir of Gusau on March 16, 2015, and led the emirate for ten years with what the governor described as “commitment, dedication and a strong sense of faith.”
He was also an accomplished civil servant, rising to the position of permanent secretary during his career in the 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.”
