The Emir of Lafia, Isa Mustapha Agwai I is dead aged of 84.
The late Emir, who was until his death the Chairman of the Nasarawa State Traditional Council of Chiefs, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 10, at a Turkish Teaching hospital in Abuja, after a protracted illness.
His death was confirmed by the Ajiyan-Lafia, Sule Abubakar
Meanwhile President Muhammadu Buhariand Senate President, Bukola Saraki have commiserated with the family of the Emir and people of Nasarawa over his death.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Thursday, Buahri expressed sadness over the demise of the late Emir, and extended his condolences to Gov. Umaru Tanko Al-Makura on the sad incident.
He also condoled with the Lafia Emirate Council, the people of Lafia and Nasarawa State on the passing of “the highly respected monarch.”
He said the late Emir would be fondly remembered for his exemplary leadership and tireless efforts at improving the lives of his people.
Buhari noted that in the course of his 44 years on the throne, the Emir devoted himself to championing inter-religious harmony, tolerance, peace building and conflict prevention as well as promoting the role of education in nation building.
He prayed Allah to receive the Emir’s soul and grant him peaceful rest.
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The Senate President in a short statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, described the late monarch as a man of peace adding, “and we shall all miss him.”
He said the late monarch was “a grassroots reformer,” who worked meritoriously with the native authority administration and became the District Head of Obi before becoming the Emir of Lafia.
Saraki extended his sympathies to the immediate family of the deceased, the Lafia Emirate and the people and government of Nasarawa State over the sad loss.
He prayed God to count the soul of the late Emir among the righteous ones in Aljannah Firdaus and his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Late Isa Mustapha Agwai was coronated on May 28, 1974, and only recently celebrated his 44th anniversary on the throne.
His remains will be buried on Friday in Lafia, the state capital, according to Islamic rites.