The Kano State House of Assembly was struck by a profound double tragedy on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, following the sudden deaths of two of its members, Hon. Aminu Sa’adu Ungogo and Hon. Aliyu Yusuf Daneji, who passed away within hours of each other.
A Day of Tragedy for the Kano Legislature
The somber news was first confirmed through an official statement issued by the spokesperson for the Speaker of the House, Kamaluddeen Sani Shawai. According to reports, Hon. Aminu Sa’adu Ungogo, who held the pivotal role of Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, died at the Assembly complex after battling a brief illness. The shock had barely settled when news broke of the passing of his colleague, Hon. Aliyu Yusuf Daneji, a senior member and committee leader, on the same fateful day.
The consecutive losses have sent waves of grief through the legislative chambers, leaving colleagues, staff, and constituents across their local government areas in a state of deep shock and mourning. The Assembly described the incident as a devastating blow, highlighting the active and leadership roles both men played in steering legislative affairs and committee work.
Profiles of the Departed Lawmakers
Aminu Sa’adu Ungogo: The Appropriation Chairman
Aminu Sa’adu Ungogo was born on October 13, 1963, in Ungogo Local Government Area. His educational journey began at Ungogo Central Primary School and continued at Government Secondary School, Bichi, where he completed his studies in 1983. He furthered his education at Bayero University, Kano, graduating with a degree in History in 1989.
Representing the Ungogo constituency under the banner of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 9th Legislature, Ungogo was a central figure in the Assembly's financial oversight. At the time of his death, he was not only the Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Appropriation but also served as the Deputy Chairman of the Security Committee. He was a member of several other key committees, including those for Environment, Higher Education, Health, and Selection.
Outside of his legislative duties, he had a known passion for travel, having visited countries including Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Turkey.
Aliyu Yusuf Daneji: The Seasoned Committee Leader
Aliyu Yusuf Daneji was born earlier, on November 22, 1960, in the Daneji Quarters of the Municipal Local Government Area in Kano State. He completed his primary education in 1974 and secondary school in 1979. He pursued higher education, obtaining a National Diploma in 1983, a Higher National Diploma in 1986, and later a Postgraduate Diploma in 2004.
Within the Assembly, Daneji held significant leadership positions, most notably as the Chairman of the Hajj Committee. He also served as the Deputy Chairman of the Culture and Tourism Committee and was an active member of the committees for Agriculture, Transport, and Judiciary.
Like his late colleague, Daneji was well-travelled, with visits to Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Ethiopia. He was also known to be an avid football enthusiast, a hobby he reportedly enjoyed throughout his life.
Legacy and Shock in the Assembly
The unexpected departure of two legislators in a single day has cast a long shadow over the Kano State House of Assembly. Tributes have begun pouring in from all quarters, remembering both Hon. Ungogo and Hon. Daneji for their dedicated service, effective leadership, and unwavering commitment to the development and welfare of their respective constituencies.
This double tragedy creates a significant vacuum in the legislature, particularly in critical committees overseeing state appropriation, security, and Hajj affairs. The Assembly is expected to enter a period of mourning as it grapples with this immense loss while continuing its constitutional duties.
