Bauchi State has lost one of its most revered community figures, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa, the longest-serving traditional ruler in the state.
Inuwa, the Village Head of Beli in Shira Local Government Area, passed away at the Federal Medical Center Azare in Katagum Local Government Area.
He was 111 years old and had served 91 years on the throne, making him a historic figure in the annals of traditional leadership.
The Chief Imam of Beli, Liman Musa Abubakar, confirmed the passing of the monarch, describing it as a monumental loss not just for the people of Shira LGA but for Northern Nigeria as a whole. “His wisdom, peacebuilding, and leadership were unmatched,” Abubakar said in tribute.
Born around 1913, Inuwa became the Village Head of Beli at the tender age of 19, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father, who also served as village heads.
He was appointed in 1933 by the then Emir of Katagum, AbdulQadir, a historic event that marked the beginning of nearly a century of steadfast leadership.
Throughout his reign, Inuwa witnessed and worked with four first-class Emirs of Katagum.
During one of the interviews with Daily Trust in his lifetime, the late monarch had said “We lived with the Emir of Katagum Abdulqadir who appointed me for 12 years before he left the throne and died six months later. Emir Umaru Faruqu was appointed. We spent 35 years with him. When he died, his son, Muhammadu Kabiru was appointed. We spent 38 years with Emir Kabiru before he died and again, after Muhammadu Kabiru, the present Emir of Katagum, Umaru Faruq II, was appointed. We lived with him for Six years.
This longevity and experience positioned Inuwa as a custodian of history and tradition, with his life spanning both colonial and post-independence Nigeria.
During his 91 years on the throne, he earned a reputation as a ruler with “listening ears” who prioritized the well-being of his people.
“I am almost 91 years old on the throne. Alhamdulillah, we live in peace with the people,” he once said.
The late monarch left seven children of which four sons and three daughters.
