The oldest and longest serving emir in Zamfara State, the Emir of Kwatarkwashi in Bungudu local government area, Alhaji Ahmad Umar (Mai-Kwatarshi), died in his palace on Thursday at the age of 93, having been on the throne for 61 years.
Mai Kwatarkwashi, the 28th emir of Kwatarkwashi, was crowned by Sultan Abubakar III on March 17, 1961.
The secretary to the state government, Kabiru Balarabe, who disclosed this yesterday, said the emir died after a prolonged illness.
Balatabe said his funeral prayer was conducted in Kwatarkwashi according to Islamic rites.
Governor Bello Muhammad has condoled with the Kwatarkwashi Emirate, Bungudu local government area (LGA) over the death.
In a statement signed by the special adviser to the governor on public enlightenment, Zailani Bappa, Muhammad expressed shock at the death.
“The governor is currently in Abuja, he received the devastating news that plunged him and his entourage into a sad mood and sober reflection.
“The death of the emir was not only the end of a great era of selfless service to the community, but a loss that could not be easily assimilated.
“This loss is a great vacuum created in the traditional institution of our dear state, but we are confident that his contribution to the development of our dear state will live on even after his demise.
“The late emir was not only a responsible father and grandfather to all of us, but a link between the last and the present generation of our traditional leadership.
“On behalf of myself, my family and the government of Zamfara State, I wish to call on our people, especially those in Kwatarkwashi Emirate, to consider this loss as an act of God which is bound to happen to each and every one of us,” he said.
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