By Akanji Alowolodu, Gombe
Gombe State Government has announced the death of the Emir of Funakaye, Alhaji Mu’azu Muhammad Kwairanga III who died late Saturday evening.
The State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya in a message, described the death of the Emir as a monumental loss not only to his Emirate but the entire state and nation.
Inuwa Yahaya while reacting to the sudden death of the royal father, said that Gombe State has indeed lost one of its finest traditional rulers who worked relentlessly with other royal fathers in the state and offered counsels and fatherly guidance for the peace, unity, growth and development of the state in particular and Nigeria as a whole.
He described the late Emir as a humble, decent and down to earth monarch who cared for his subjects as well as the unity and progress of the state, describing his 16 months of reign as remarkably eventful.
The Governor therefore, extended his heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Gombe State, to the royal family, people of Funakaye Emirate, the Chairman of Gombe state Council of Emirs and Chiefs, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar lll as well as the entire state over the great loss, praying Almighty Allah to grant the late royal father Aljannat Firdaus.
The late Alhaji Muazu Muhammad Kwairanga who was installed as the Emir of Funakaye by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya in May, 2021 died on Saturday, 27th August, 2022 at the age of 45.
As announced by the Funakaye Local Government and the Emirate Councils, the funeral prayers will took place Sunday, 28th August, 2022 by 2:00 pm at the Emir’s palace in Bajoga, Funakaye Local Government Area, Gombe State.
Meanwhile, Governor Inuwa Yahaya on Sunday led Gombe State government’s delegation to the funeral prayer (Janazah) of the late Emir of Funakaye, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mu’azu Muhammad Kwairanga who passed away in the late hours of Saturday, 27th August, 2022 in Bajoga.
The funeral prayer, which was held at the Funakaye Central Mosque, Bajoga was attended by thousands of sympathisers from within and outside the State.
Shortly after the funeral prayer, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya proceeded to the the Emir’s Palace where he condoled with the royal family members and also received commiserations from traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials, associates and other sympathisers.
In an emotion-laden voice, Governor Inuwa said, “Today, a giant tree has fallen in Gombe State. We have lost a rare gem, a humble and dedicated royal father who was highly cherished by his subjects and the entire people of the State.
Governor Inuwa noted that the late monarch lived a life of service and offered counsels and fatherly guidance for the peace, unity, growth and development of the state in particular and Nigeria as a whole within less than 2 years of his reign as Emir of Funakaye.
He added that “his sudden exit is a lesson to all of us, especially considering his status and age, but what was destined by Allah is not questionable; as such I am using this medium to urge us all to take solace in the fact that it is All who gives and takes at decreed times.
“On behalf of myself, the government and good people of Gombe State, I wish to extend our condolences to the bereaved family members and the entire Funakaye Community over this monumental loss”
The Governor expressed appreciation to all that attended the funeral, especially the traditional rulers from the neighbouring State of Yobe.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s entourage included the Speaker of Gombe State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo, Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Chief of Staff, Abubakar Inuwa Kari, Head of Service, Bappayo Yahaya, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Directors-General among other top Government functionaries.
The late Alhaji Muazu Muhammad Kwairanga was installed as the Emir of Funakaye in May, 2021 and died yesterday, 27th August, 2022 at the age of 45 as contained in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General, (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe.
