The Emir of Funakaye in Gombe state, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Kwairanga II, has died early Thursday morning at the age of 68.
A statement issued by the Funakaye Local Government Area and the Emirate Council, said the late emir died suddenly early Thursday, few minutes after complaining of mild illness to his doctor.
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According to palace sources, the deceased was in Gombe, the state capital throughout Wednesday.
“He returned to his palace in Bajoga town late in the evening, only [for us] to wake up with the news of his demise this morning.”
Late Abubakar Kwairanga was installed as the Emir of Funakaye in May, 2010, succeeding his father, late Muhammadu Kwairanga Abubakar, who was upgraded from District Head of Funakaye to become the first Emir of Funakaye in 2001, by late Governor Abubakar Habu Hashidu.
The funeral prayers took place on Thursday by 2:00 pm at the emir’s palace in Bajoga, headquaters of Funakaye LGA.
The funeral prayer was attended by Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III and other government officials among others.
Meanwhile, Governor Yahaya in a condolence message described the death of the traditional ruler as a great loss, to the Funakaye Emirate Council, the state and the country at large.
He said the late emir was a humble and dedicated ruler who lived a life of service to his people and left behind a legacy of honour and dignity worthy of emulation by all.
The governor noted that late Emir Abubakar Kwairanga II worked tirelessly with other royal fathers in the state and offered counsels and fatherly guidance for the peace, unity and development of the state.