The Emir of Zazzau, His royal Highness Alh(Dr) Shehu Idris, is dead

The 18th Fulani Emir of Zazzau, Shehu Idris, has died at the age of 84.

Multiple palace sources confirmed to DAILY NIGERIAN that the monarch died at 44 Reference Hospital around 11am on Sunday.

“It is confirmed. He had some health issue on Friday, and he was taken to hospital where he died . His body would soon be transported to Zaria for burial,” said a Zazzau prince who preferred not to be named.

Idris was born to the family of Malam Idrisu Auta who was sometimes called Auta Sambo and Hajiya Aminatu. Idrisu Auta’s father was Sarkin Zazzau Muhammadu Sambo who reigned from c. 1879 to 1888 and Auta’s grandfather was Sarkin Zazzau Abdulkarimi who reigned from c. 1834 – 1846.

Idris started his education being tutored by two Islamic scholars in Zaria and then continued with formal studies at the Zaria Elementary School. He was at the elementary school from 1947 till 1950, during this period, the young Idris lost his father when he was 12 years old. Idris continued both his qur’anic and formal education and enrolled in the Zaria Middle School in 1950 and finished studies in 1955. He then attended Katsina Training College to become a teacher.

In 1958, he was a teacher at a school in Hunkuyi and then taught at a few other schools in Zaria. Thereafter, he left teaching. In the 1960s, he was a private secretary to Sarkin Zazzau, Muhammadu Aminu, he was also appointed as the secretary to the Zaria Native Authority council in 1965. In 1973, he was bestowed the title of Dan Madamin Zaria and was appointed the district head of Zaria and Kewaye.

Idris succeeded Sarki Aminu in 1975. On 10th January, 2015 he celebrated his 40 years anniversary, and 8th February 2020, he celebrated his 45 years anniversary.