21st September, 2020
PRESS RELEASE:
MURIC MOURNS EMIR OF ZAZZAU
The Emir of Zaria and traditional head of Zazzau Emirate, Alhaji Shehu Idris, died yesterday, Sunday, 20th September, 2020 after a brief illness. He was 84.
Meanwhile the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has sent a condolence message to the head of the Nigerian Muslim community, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Governor of Kaduna State, the Zazzau Emirate and the people of Zaria. The message was signed by the Director of the Muslim rights group, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
“The news of the passing away of the Emir of Zazzau is saddening. We commiserate with our leader, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar. We condole the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. Our sympathy also goes to the Zazzau Emirate Council, particularly the Yariman Zazzau, Alhaji Munir Ja‘afar and the good people of Zaria.
“The late Emir was born on 20th February 1936 into the family of Mallam Idrisu Auta and Hajiya Aminatu. His grandfather was the Sarkin Zazzau, Alhaji Muhammadu Sambo who reigned from 1879 to 1888. Shehu Idris was the 18th Emir of Zazzau and the Chairman of Zazzau Emirate Council as well as the Kaduna State Emirate Council. He ascended the throne on 8th February, 1975 following the demise of Alhaji Muhammadu Aminu, the 17th Emir of Zazzau.
He attended Katsina Training College and taught at Hunkuyi. He served as private secretary to the Sarkin Zazzau, Muhammadu Aminu. He became the secretary of the Zaria Native Authority Council in 1965. He took the title of Dan Madamin Zaria in 1973 and became the district head of Zaria and Kewaye in the same year.
“The late Emir Shehu Idris was a diligent, pious and patriotic Nigerian. His patience could melt Mount Everest. He once ordered his convoy to turn back and find another route instead of telling the police to attack a Shiite procession that refused to allow his convoy to drive past. He was an exemplary leader.
“May Almighty Allah overlook his shortcomings and grant him a lofty place in Al-Jannah Firdaus. May Allah give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”
Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)
