Thousands of people converged in Zaria for the burial of the late Emir Zazzau, Shehu Idris.
The 18th Emir Zazzau died mid-Sunday at the 44 Army Referral Hospital in Kaduna.
His body was driven to Zaria in a hearse around late afternoon, in time for Janazah prayers scheduled for 5pm.
Many condolence messages from people of all walks of life have been sent in tribute.
President Muhammadu Buhari voiced shock and grief over the death of the emir.
In a condolence message to Governor Nasir El-Rufai, the government and people of Kaduna State, he said, “With the passing of Alhaji Shehu Idris, Nigeria has lost one of its longest reigning traditional monarchs whose contributions to the promotion of unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians cannot be forgotten for years to come.”
According to Buhari, “The Emir of Zazzau who ascended the throne in 1975, had used his long reign to serve his people with dedication and identified with their aspirations at all times.”
Katsina’s emirs, governor salute late emir
Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State said the death of the leading monarch, whom he described as one of the last greats, was a devastating loss for Nigeria, “coming at a time when the nation is buffeted by many threatening challenges.”
“The loss of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau at this material time, is most devastating, because it has come at a time when his vast experience, influence and global network of friends and associates are very much needed to help the nation navigate itself out of the current economic, security and social woes buffeting it.
“His was a voice that had listening ears even beyond the shores of Nigeria, and had made good use of his contacts to advance the nation’s interests,” he said.
Emir of Katsina, Dr Abdulmumini Kabir Usman and that of Daura, Umar Faruk Umar, expressed bereavement over the demise of one of their own.
In their separate condolences through their information officers, the emirs pray to Allah to forgive the late emir of his shortcomings and grant him Jannatul Firdaus.
