Gusau, Zamfara – July 25, 2025 — The Zamfara State House of Assembly, under Speaker Alhaji Bilyaminu Moriki, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of His Royal Highness, Dr. Ibrahim Bello, the Emir of Gusau, aged 71. The revered traditional ruler died on Friday morning, July 25, in Abuja after a protracted illness, triggering widespread mourning across the state’s institutions and communities
A Symbol of Unity and Leadership
In a statement issued through the Assembly’s Public Relations Officer, Malam Nasir Biyabiki, Speaker Moriki hailed the late emir as “a symbol of peace and unity,” emphasizing his unwavering promotion of justice and socioeconomic development. According to the Speaker, Dr. Bello was a gentle, accommodating, and God-fearing leader whose contributions spanned religious, political, and civic spheres.
Governor Lawal’s Condolences
Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal described the emir’s death as “a personal loss,” alongside being a monumental blow to the state. He remembered the late monarch as a beloved royal father and steadfast pillar of wisdom who dedicated a decade of service following his ascension as the 15th Emir of Gusau on March 16, 2015. The governor prayed for divine forgiveness and strength for the Emir’s family and the broader community in their grief.
National Mourning
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also expressed his grief over the Emir’s passing. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president described Dr. Bello’s death as a national loss. He praised the traditional ruler’s commitment, duty, and exemplary leadership across different levels of public service .
Emir’s Legacy and Background
Dr. Ibrahim Bello had a distinguished career long before his royal appointment. A seasoned civil servant, he rose to the position of Permanent Secretary in both the former Sokoto State and the newly formed Zamfara State. His tenure as Emir was noted for fostering peace, promoting education, and spearheading developmental projects within the traditional institution .
In his reign, the emir earned a reputation for humility and close connection with his people. One of his remembered sayings among residents was: “Allah na kowa ne amma ba kowa ne na Allah ba” (“The divine loves all, but not all love the divine”)—reflecting his deep spiritual ethos and calling on higher values in governance and leadership.
State of Mourning
Zamfara’s institutions—including the State Council of Chiefs, local government authorities, and the Gusau Emirate Council—have joined the coffin of condolences. Meanwhile, the emir’s funeral prayers were held at the Gusau Emirate Central Mosque, drawing thousands of mourners from Zamfara and neighboring states
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