President Muhammadu Buhari has described the death of Sokoto Prince and renowned diplomat, Dr Shehu Malami as “sad and shocking”.
The president was reacting to the news of the demise of the former Sarkin Sudan of Wurno, (a senior title in the Sultanate) reported from Cairo, Egypt where he passed on, in a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, in Abuja.
“This is such shocking and sad news. I am absolutely stunned to hear this. It is another reminder of how fragile life is.
“He was a business leader respected globally who believed in this country’s economic prowess. He was an icon of business and industry and a graceful traditionalist.
‘‘His passing is a big loss to the nation. Condolences to his family and friends, the Sultanate and the government and people of Sokoto State.
“May his soul rest in peace.”
In the same vein, Sokoto state governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal in a statement he personally signed on Monday, said Malami’s footprints were still visible on the national landscape.
“It is with sublime submission to the will of Allah (SWT) that I received the news of the death of an illustrious son and one the leaders of the Sokoto Caliphate, Alhaji Shehu Malami.
“Aged 85, the late potentate was an accomplished banker and industrialist whose footprints are still visible on the national landscape.
“Vastly educated and referred to as “the Oxford man”, late Alhaji Malami was born in Sokoto, where he had his early education. He was also at basic schools at Bida and Katsina. Later he was variously in Colleges in England for his GCE ordinary and advanced levels. Later he bagged a degree in law from the Middle Temple, London and was a visiting scholar at Wolfecon College Cambridge. He was also an Associate Member of St.. Anthony’s College, Oxford.
“Back home he worked as Private Secretary and then as Special Assistant to Sultan Saddiq Abubakar III. He also had a stint at the BBC as a broadcaster. He moved on to greater heights becoming a technocrat and banker. On the international scene, his presence was felt as a member of the International Advisory Council of the World Economic Forum Foundation, Geneva, Switzerland.
Humble and astute, he would be remembered as a repository of the norms and values that make Sokoto Caliphate tick. His knowledge of the country, its politics and economy would also be missed on the national scene, especially at this time of another democratic transition.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Sokoto state, I join His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, in praying for the repose of his soul.
“May Jannatul Firdaus be his abode. May Allah grant his family and well-wishers the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.
