Written by Samuel Jennifer Chinaza
The special adviser to the Kaduna state governor Nasir el-Rufai on media and communication, Muyiwa Adekeye on Monday in a statement announced that state government has declared a three day mourning period for the late Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris.
Shehu Idris who was aged 84 passed away at the 44 Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna on Sunday was coronated the Emir of Zazzau on February 15, 1975 and ruled Zazzau emirate for 45 years, before his death.
While speaking on Monday, Adekeye held that public offices would open on September 21 and September 22 but there will be a public holiday on23rd of September to honour his memory.
Also reacting to the news of the death of the traditional ruler, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) expressed great sadness over the demise.
A statement by the MURIC director Prof. Ishaq Akintola who commiserated with the head of the Nigerian Muslim community, the Sultan of Sokoto and the Governor of Kaduna State read:
“The news of the passing away of the Emir of Zazzau is saddening. Our sympathy also goes to the Zazzau Emirate Council, particularly the Yariman Zazzau, Alhaji Munir Ja‘afar and the good people of Zaria”.
“Shehu Idris was the 18th Emir of Zazzau and the Chairman of Zazzau Emirate Council as well as the Kaduna State Emirate Council”.
While friends and loved ones of the monarch continue to mourn, his remains has been laid to rest at his palace in Zaria.
Prior to his death, the late traditional ruler was the 18th Emir of Zazzau, and the Chairman, Kaduna State Council of Chiefs.
