Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Emir of Gusau, Dr. Ibrahim Bello, who died in Abuja on Friday morning at the age of 71 after a prolonged illness.

In an official condolence message, Governor Lawal described the late monarch’s passing as not just a loss to the state but a personal tragedy.

“I received with deep sadness the news of the passing of our father, His Royal Highness, Dr. Ibrahim Bello, the Emir of Gusau,” the governor said.

He extended his condolences to the Zamfara State Council of Chiefs, the Gusau Emirate, the late Emir’s family, and the entire people of Zamfara State.

“His Highness’s passing is a huge loss for the people of Zamfara, the North, and Nigeria as a whole. He was a supportive royal father and a leader who dedicated his life to the betterment of our state,” he stated.

Dr. Ibrahim Bello ascended the throne as the 15th Emir of Gusau on March 16, 2015, and reigned for over ten years. He was widely respected for his dedication to public service, religious devotion, and commitment to community development.

Prior to becoming Emir, Bello had a distinguished career in the civil service, rising to the rank of Permanent Secretary in the former Sokoto State, and later in Zamfara State.

Governor Lawal, reflecting on his personal relationship with the late monarch, said:

“I have lost a confidant and a father whose wisdom guided me and other leaders in the state. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.”