The Emir of Zazzau Alhaji Dr Shehu Idris has passed on, palace sources confirmed to Dateline Nigeria.
He died Sunday morning after a protracted illness at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.
Sources also told Dateline Nigeria that the emir died when arrangements were being concluded to fly him abroad for medical treatment.
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Kaduna state governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai also confirmed the death of the monarch via his official Twitter handle.
The governor posted, “It is with great sadness that I confirm the passing of the father of our state, His Highness Emir of Zazzau, Alh (Dr.) Shehu Idris CFR. He died at the 44 Military Hospital Kaduna today after a brief illness.”
He added, “Janazah prayer in Zaria is scheduled for 5pm in Sha Allah.”
The late emir celebrated 45 years on the throne back in February, 2020.
Born on 20 February 1936 to the family of Malam Idrisu Auta, also known as Auta Sambo and Hajiya Aminatu, Shehu Idrisu’s grandfather was Sarkin Zazzau Muhammadu Sambo who reigned from 1879 to 1888, while Auta’s grandfather was Sarkin Zazzau Abdulkarimi who reigned from c. 1834 – 1846.
Day monarch begged for forgiveness
The late emir had during the celebration of his 45th anniversary on the throne sought for forgiveness from his subjects, title holders, counsellors, district heads, and Nigerians in general for whatever wrong he might have done to them.
He also used the event to express gratitude to Allah for granting him good health and long life as well as making him the longest serving emir of Zazzau.
“I will like to start by thanking Allah. When I assumed the mantle of leadership of this great emirate, I was only 39. Today, I am celebrating 45th anniversary on the throne. This is a rare privilege.
“For this, I want to seek for your forgiveness for any wrong that I might have done to you,” he had said at the event.
Late Shehu Idris was appointed emir by the then governor of Kaduna State, the late Brigadier-General Abba Kyari.
