The Senior District Head of Kwami Local Government Area of Gombe State, fondly known as Ajiyan Gombe, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, passed away at the age of 94.
Late Ajiya, after a protracted illness, died in the wee hours of yesterday at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Gombe. He was, for over 53 years, the district head of Kwami; one of the longest serving terms in Gombe emirate.
The Grand Khadi of Gombe State, Justice Abdullahi Maikano Usman, led the funeral prayer at the deceased palace in Malam Sidi, headquarters of Kwami LGA.
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Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, in a condolence letter described the death of the traditional leader as a mighty loss to the state and Nigeria at large. He eulogised the deceased as an iconic figure and role model in the state.
He added that the late traditional leader has left behind a gigantic vacuum and unforgettable footprints, adding that the government will miss his fatherly guidance and counsels.
“Throughout his 53 years reign as a district head, late Ajiya was known for preaching peace and championing the course of unity and harmony, not only within his domain but across the entire state,” Inuwa said.
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He encouraged the family members to maintain the legacies of honour, dignity and selfless service left by the Late Ajiya.
The deceased was also an elder brother to Ambassador Ibrahim Yerima Abdullahi, Sarkin Bai of Gombe, a one-time minister of education and Nigerian Ambassador to Malaysia.
