The Emir of Gusau in Zamfara State, Ibrahim Bello, has passed on at the age of 71 following a prolonged illness.
Naijaonpoint understands that the revered monarch died in Abuja on Friday, ending a decade-long reign marked by service, leadership, and devotion to the people of Zamfara.
His passing was confirmed by the spokesperson to the Zamfara State Governor, Sulaiman Idris, who issued an official condolence statement on behalf of Governor Dauda Lawal.
Bello ascended the throne on March 16, 2015, succeeding his father as the 16th Emir of Gusau.
He was considered a respected civil servant in his earlier years. Bello rose to the prestigious rank of Permanent Secretary during his time in the old Sokoto and later Zamfara State civil service.
He ruled the Gusau Emirate for 10 years and a few months, during which he was regarded as a unifying figure and voice of wisdom within the traditional institution and the broader northern region.
A Personal Loss, Says Governor Lawal
Reacting to the Emir’s death, Governor Dauda Lawal expressed deep sorrow, describing it as a personal loss.
He praised the monarch’s contributions to peace, development, and governance in the state.
“I received with deep sadness the news of the passing of our father, His Royal Highness, Dr. Ibrahim Bello, the Emir of Gusau,” the governor said in a statement.
“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… He led with commitment, dedication, and a strong sense of faith.”
Governor Lawal noted that the deceased monarch was more than just a traditional ruler to him, referring to the late Emir as “a confidant and a father.”
“I have lost a confidant and a father whose wisdom guides me and other state leaders. May the Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” he added.
The Zamfara State Council of Chiefs, the Gusau Emirate Council, and residents of the state have continued to pour in tributes, praising Bello’s legacy of service, humility, and leadership.
As preparations for the Emir’s burial rites commence, residents of Gusau and other dignitaries across Nigeria are expected to converge in Zamfara to pay their final respects to a royal father who served with honour.