Hajiya Sutura Shehu Shagari, the last surviving wife of Nigeria’s former President, Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, has died at the age of 79.
Gatekeepers News reports that passing was confirmed in a statement by the family’s head, Captain Muhammad Bala Shagari (rtd), who disclosed that she died on Monday around 3 p.m. after a long illness.
“He said, “Hajiya Sutura passed away today, at approximately 3 p.m., at the age of 79 years, after a protracted illness.”
According to the family, she will be laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites in Sokoto.
The late matriarch was described as “an embodiment of humility, grace, and quiet strength — a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who lived a life defined by faith, dignity, and compassion.”
Captain Shagari noted that her demise is a profound loss to both the Shagari family and the Sokoto community.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the country. Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State extended his condolences, praising her for her modesty and unwavering support to the late president during and after his years in office.
Hajiya Sutura was the last surviving spouse of Shehu Shagari, who served as Nigeria’s first democratically elected executive president from 1979 to 1983 before being overthrown in a military coup.
Further details regarding the funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.
