The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Sardaunan Sokoto and former Minister of Finance, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, who died in Abuja on Thursday at the age of 87.

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari said the death of Sardaunan Sokoto is a monumental loss not only to Sokoto Caliphate and Northern Nigeria, but to the entire country stressing that he was a bridge between government, the traditional institution, and the people.

This is contained in a condolence message issued on Thursday by his Spokesman, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona.

The Emir said that Alhaji Alhaji distinguished himself as Minister of State for Budget and Planning in 1988 and later as Minister of Finance between 1990 and 1991, and also served meritoriously as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1992 to 1996.

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari said: “As Sardaunan Sokoto, a title he held since 1990 succeeding the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the deceased provided wise counsel and remained a stabilizing force within the traditional institution.

On behalf of the Ilorin Emirate and the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, the Emir extended his heartfelt condolences to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sokoto Emirate Council, the family of the deceased, and the Government of Sokoto State.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the late Sardaunan Sokoto, accept his good deeds, and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus even as he prayed for the fortitude for the family to bear the irreparable loss.