The Emir of Gusau in Zamfara State, Dr. Ibrahim Bello, has died at the age of 71.
The respected traditional ruler passed away on Friday in Abuja after battling an illness for some time. His death was confirmed by Sulaiman Idris, spokesperson for Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal.
The late Emir, who was the 16th traditional ruler of Gusau, took over the throne on March 16, 2015, following the death of his father. Before becoming Emir, he served as a top civil servant and rose to the position of Permanent Secretary in both old Sokoto and Zamfara states.
Governor Lawal said in a statement, “I received with deep sadness the news of the passing of our father, His Royal Highness, Dr. Ibrahim Bello, the Emir of Gusau.”
He described the late monarch as a strong pillar in Zamfara who worked hard to support peace and development in the state.
The governor added, “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 of 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.”
Governor Lawal also said, “I have lost a confidant and a father whose wisdom guides me and other state leaders. May the Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah.”
He further expressed his condolences to the Zamfara State Council of Chiefs, the late Emir’s family, the Gusau Emirate, and the people of the state.
