President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of the Emir of Gusau, Dr Ibrahim Bello, who passed away on Friday morning in Abuja at the age of 71.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the monarch’s passing as a “collective loss” and praised his commitment to public service and leadership.

“President Tinubu described the traditional ruler’s death as a collective loss beyond his immediate domain, citing his lifelong service at different levels,” the statement read.

He also extended condolences to the government and people of Zamfara State, as well as the family of the late monarch, praying for Allah’s mercy on his soul.

The 16th Emir of Gusau succeeded his father, who died on March 16, 2015.

A former civil servant, Bello rose to the position of Permanent Secretary in the old Sokoto and Zamfara states and ruled for over 10 years.

Confirming the monarch’s passing, the spokesperson for Governor Dauda Lawal, Sulaiman Idis, said the state government received the news with sadness.