BREAKING: Elder Statesman And Ex-UK Envoy Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, 87, Is Dead
Elder Statesman, former Minister of Finance and Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, has died today Thursday at the age of 87.
Family sources confirmed that the Elder Statesman passed away this morning at Alliance Hospital, Abuja, where he had been receiving treatment for several weeks after being transferred from the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto.
Alhaji held several key positions in Nigeria’s public service, including serving as Minister of State for Budget and Planning in 1988 before his appointment as Minister of Finance between 1990 and 1991 under the military administration of former President Ibrahim Babangida.
Following his tenure in government, he was appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, a position he held from 1992 to 1996.
During his diplomatic service, he played a role in strengthening relations between Nigeria and the UK.
Before joining the Federal Executive Council, Alhaji built a distinguished career in the civil service, rising to the rank of Permanent Secretary. He served in several strategic ministries, including Finance, Trade, Industries and National Planning, where he contributed to policy formulation and public administration.
Beyond public service, Alhaji was a respected traditional title holder. In 1990, he was turbaned as the Sardaunan Sokoto, one of the most prestigious titles in the Sokoto Caliphate, succeeding the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello.
In that capacity, he served as a link between the traditional institution, government and the wider society, earning recognition for his contributions to public service and community leadership.
The family said details of his funeral arrangements would be announced later in accordance with Islamic rites.
Dogon Daji disclosed that the funeral prayer (Salatul Janazah) for the late Sardauna would be held at Sultan Bello Mosque, Sokoto, at about 4 p.m. on Thursday, after which he would be laid to rest at the royal cemetery, Hubbaren Shehu.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, was expected to arrive in Sokoto ahead of the funeral rites.
When contacted, the Secretary to the Sultanate Council, Alhaji Sa’idu Maccido, said he had not yet been formally briefed on the development.
Until his death, Alhaji held the revered traditional title of Sardaunan Sokoto, a title historically associated with the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, who died in 1966.
