Kaduna State was thrown into mourning yesterday after the death of the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, who died in his palace at the age of 84.
A source at the palace who pleaded anonymity spoke with journalists in Zaria and disclosed that the monarch passed on after a protracted illness.
“The late monarch has been battling an undisclosed ailment for a decade until this morning when death snatched him away,” he revealed to newsmen.
Until his death, Alhaji Shehu Idris was the chairman of the state’s council of traditional rulers.
In a condolence message to the government and people of Kaduna State, President Muhammadu Buhari said:
“With the passing of Alhaji Shehu Idris, Nigeria has lost one of its longest-reigning monarchs, whose contributions to the unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians cannot be forgotten in years to come.
The Emir of Zazzau, who ascended the throne in 1975, used his long reign to serve his people with dedication and identified with their aspirations at all times.”
The president prayed for God to forgive the late emir of his sins and grant his family and subjects the fortitude to bear the loss.
