After 45 years on throne, Kwara monarch dies at 86

The Emir of Lafiagi, Saadu Kawu Haliru, has died.

The monarch, it was gathered, passed on in an undisclosed hospital in Abuja around a few minutes to 6 pm Thursday.

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A source told Daily Trust that his body will be flown home to Kwara State on Friday from the capital city enroute Lafiagi in Edu Local Government area for his burial in accordance with Islamic injunctions.

The late Emir of Lafiagi, a first-class traditional ruler was enthroned in 1975 and celebrated his 45th Coronation anniversary on October 21st, 2020.

Confirming the development in a statement last night, the Ndegi of Lafiagi, Alhaji Ahmed Kaiama, one of the kingmakers described it as a great loss to the entire Nupe Land.

The deceased monarch was the first Board chairman of Radio Kwara.

In his condolence message, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq described the late Emir as an advocate of peace and Unity in diversity and his passage as the end of a great era.

“The first class monarch was a phenomenon in royal wisdom, compassion, and peaceful coexistence. He was an advocate of peace and unity in diversity, and this largely explains the growth recorded under his reign,” Abdulrazaq said.

“The passing of his royal highness is indeed the end of a great era, having overseen significant growth in the livelihood and cultural rejuvenation of the emirate over the past 45 years.”