The
Senate President, David Mark, has asked for the immortalisation of the
late traditional ruler of Adamawa State, Aliyu Mustapha, for ruling
Adamawa for half a century without any major incident of crises and
bloodletting.

He said this in a condolence message to the government and people of Adamawa State.

“It is a rare achievement that should be emulated by today’s leaders.”

Similarly, the Edo
State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, described the death of the
late Lamido of Adamawa, as a big loss to Nigeria.

Also in a
condolence letter to the governor of Adamawa State, Admiral Murtala
Nyako (Rtd), Oshiomhole, who described his death as a rude shock not
only to his immediate kingdom, but also to Nigeria as a whole, said:

“The death of
Alhaji Mustapha could best be described as the end of a glorious era
for the institution of the Lamidoship. Through him, the throne of the
Lamido evolved over several tempestuous and eventful periods in the
evolution of Nigeria.

Throughout the
series of socio-political and economic changes that spanned almost six
decades, Alhaji Mustapha brought to bear on the throne great dignity,
which earned him respectability across regimes.”

Longest reigning king

Before his death,
Mr. Mustapha was the longest reigning monarch in the entire country. He
had immense relevance and influence within the corridors of power.

He was
father-in-law to Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president during
President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government. The late traditional ruler
died last Saturday, a month away to his 88th birthday. He was held at
high esteem by the northern political class. He was the chairman of the
Adamawa Emirate Council.

Mr. Mark implored
the government of Adamawa State to immortalise late Lamido for
posterity, “because his contributions to nation building are
immeasurable.”

His significance to Nigeria

“He was an epitome
of peace, unity and progress. The people of Adamawa and indeed all
Nigerians will miss his wise counsel,” Mr. Mark said, adding that he
was an astute administrator and a detribalised Nigerian who stood very
tall among his contemporaries.

Mr. Oshiomole added that he would be remembered by his people as an
accessible, caring and just leader, who was excellently versed in the
Islamic scriptures and who thoroughly applied Islam’s injunction of
compassion in leadership.