Emir of Lafia dies

…Buhari, Al-Makura mourn

The Emir of Lafia and chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Isa Mustapha Agwai I, died yesterday at the age of 84.

The emir reportedly died at a Turkish Teaching hospital in Abuja following a protracted illness.

He was the 16th Emir of Lafia and was coronated on May 28, 1974.

He was a former Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. Until his death, he was the chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure; vice chairman of Jama’atu Nastril Islam (JNI); chairman of JNI in Nasarawa State and national vice chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria (NSCIA).

In his condolence message, the speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, prayed for the repose of the soul of the royal father

The Madaki of Lafia, Alhaji Isyaku Dauda, said the emir would be buried today.

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said he received with profound sadness news of the passing of the Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Isah Mustapha Agwai I.

Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, in a statement, said Buhari, on behalf of the Federal Government, extended heartfelt commiserations to Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, the Lafia Emirate Council, the people of Lafia and Nasarawa State on the passage of the “highly respected monarch.”

The president assured them of the fullest sympathy of the Federal Government as they mourned the chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Emirs and Chiefs and state chairman of Jama’tul Nasril Islam (JNI), who will be fondly remembered for his exemplary leadership and tireless efforts at improving the lives of his people.

Buhari affirmed that in the course of his remarkable 44 years on the throne, the late emir devoted himself to championing inter-religious harmony, tolerance, peace building and conflict prevention as well as promoting the role of education in nation building.

The president prayed Allah to receive the monarch’s soul and grant him peaceful repose.

He also prayed that Allah grant the people of Lafia a worthy successor.

Governor Almakura condoled with the people of the state over the emir’s death.

The governor confirmed that the emir would be buried after juma’át prayer today.