Kogi State in Mourning as Paramount Ruler Passes Away
The Bassa-Nge Kingdom in Kogi State has been plunged into deep sorrow following the passing of their paramount ruler, Brigadier General Abu Ali (Rtd.), who died on Monday, November 24, after battling health complications related to old age.
The respected monarch, who previously served as military administrator of Bauchi state, breathed his last at a hospital in Lokoja where he had been receiving medical treatment after his condition worsened several days earlier.
Official Confirmation and Burial Proceedings
The death was formally announced by Chief Jacob Eddi, the Kakaki of the Bassa-Nge nation, through an official statement distributed to journalists in Lokoja. According to the announcement, the late traditional ruler's remains were immediately transported to Gboloko, his ancestral home, for burial ceremonies in accordance with traditional customs.
The swift burial arrangements followed Islamic traditions and allowed the community to begin mourning processes without delay.
Political Leaders Pay Emotional Tributes
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo expressed profound grief through a heartfelt condolence message posted on his Facebook page. The All Progressives Congress governor wrote: "We just lost His Majestic King, Alhaji Abu Ali, the Etsu of Bassa-Nge Kingdom. May your soul rest in Jannatul Firdaus."
Similarly, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed described the former military administrator as a dignified leader celebrated for his humility, integrity, and exemplary service to his soldiers. In a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, the governor conveyed deep sadness over the traditional ruler's passing.
Governor Mohammed highlighted General Abu Ali's significant contributions during his tenure as administrator of Bauchi from September 1990 to January 1992 under General Ibrahim Babangida's administration. His leadership period witnessed remarkable developmental projects including:
- Commissioning of the Bauchi Township Water Project
- Consolidation of the Tomato Processing Company
- Establishment of Wikki Tourists Football Club
The governor particularly praised the monarch's humble and dignified surrender of power when he peacefully transitioned authority to a democratically elected government in January 1992.
Sultan of Sokoto Mourns a Fellow Monarch
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of his colleague, describing the late Kogi monarch as a distinguished leader whose life demonstrated humility, service, and commitment to his people.
In a statement signed by the Secretary to the Sultanate Council, Alh Sa'idu Maccido, the Sultan emphasized that in Islam, leadership represents service rather than rulership. He noted that Brigadier General Abu Ali embodied this principle throughout his military career and royal reign.
"Brigadier General Abu Ali was one fine officer that will be seriously missed for the good times we shared together having both served as officers of the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps Bauchi, where he was Commander, and when we both became monarchs," the Sultan stated.
Legacy of a Military Family
The late Etsu Bassa-Nge was father to the celebrated Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali, a decorated Nigerian Army officer renowned for his exceptional bravery in combating Boko Haram insurgents in Nigeria's North East region. The younger Abu Ali made the ultimate sacrifice while defending the nation against terrorism.
As condolences continue to pour in from across Nigeria, the Bassa-Nge community remembers their leader not only as a traditional ruler but as a dedicated public servant whose contributions to national development and traditional leadership will endure in historical records.
The Sultan concluded his tribute by praying for the peaceful repose of the monarch's soul, asking Almighty Allah to accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.
