The family of Nigeria’s Second Republic President, Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, has announced the passing of his last surviving wife, Hajiya Saratu Shagari, at the age of 89.
In a statement personally signed by the former President’s eldest son and Sarkin Mafaran Shagari, Captain Bala Shagari (retd), the family said Hajiya Saratu died at about 3:00 p.m. on Monday after a prolonged illness.
“With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Hajiya Saratu Shehu Shagari, the last surviving wife of the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, GCFR, Turakin Sokoto,” the statement read.
Describing the matriarch as “an embodiment of grace, humility and quiet strength,” Bala Shagari said she lived a life defined by dignity, patience and devotion to family and faith.
The family added that funeral prayers for the late Hajiya Saratu would be conducted at the Shagari residence in Sokoto, in accordance with Islamic rites, immediately after the afternoon prayers.
Hajiya Saratu Shagari was survived by many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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Her late husband, President Shehu Shagari, served as Nigeria’s first democratically elected Executive President from 1979 to 1983 before being overthrown in a military coup. His death in December 2018 marked the end of an era, and now, with Hajiya Saratu’s passing, another chapter of the Shagari legacy has closed.
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