Emir of Kontagora, Saidu Namaska, Dies at 84

By Laleye Dipo

The longest reigning first class traditional ruler in Niger state and Emir of Kontagora Alhaji Saidu Namaska is dead.

Alhaji Namaska died in the early hours of Thursday in Abuja after a brief illness. He was aged 84 years.

The monarch is survived by wives and children.

He was born in 1937, and was enthroned on 15 January 1974 to succeed Alhaji Saidu Sarkin Kudu.

The deceased joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1961 before quitting to work with the Northwestern State Judicial Services as a judicial officer.

The Secretary to the Niger state Government Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane confirmed the death of the monarch saying his departure has created a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill.

In a condolence, former Governor of Niger state and the holder of the high traditional title of Naaisan Kontagora Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu described the demise of the first class traditional ruler as a very huge loss but prayed Allah to grant him eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the great loss.

“I am deeply shocked and saddened by the passage of the Sarkin Sudan Kontagora, (the Emir of Kontagora), Alhaji Sa’idu Umaru Namaska earlier today.

“May Allah, (SWT) grant his soul eternal rest in aljanna Firdauci.

“I wish to register my sincere and deepest condolence to the Niger State Government and the entire people of the State, the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, the immediate family members and kingmakers of the Kontagora emirate, all traditional title bearers of the ancient Kontagora emirate, friends and associates as well as lovers and admirers of the historic Kontagora emirate,” Dr Aliyu said in the condolence message.

The remains of the respected traditional ruler will be interred at 4pm today in Kontagora.