Hajiya Sutura Shehu-Shagari, the last surviving wife of Nigeria’s former President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, has passed away at the age of 89.
Her death was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the head of the Shagari family, Capt. Muhammad Bala Shagari (retd.), who said she died around 3 p.m. after a prolonged illness.
“She was an embodiment of grace, humility, and quiet strength; a devoted mother, grandmother, and matriarch who lived a life defined by dignity and compassion,” the statement read.
According to the family, her passing is deeply felt by relatives, friends, and all who knew her. “Further details and funeral arrangements would be announced in due course. May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace,” the statement added.
Hajiya Sutura was the widow of Shehu Shagari, Nigeria’s first democratically elected executive president, who governed the country from 1979 to 1983 under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN).
Born on February 25, 1925, in Shagari village, present-day Sokoto State, Shehu Shagari began his career as a teacher before joining politics. He later served as minister in several federal ministries before winning the presidential election in 1979.
His administration was known for its focus on housing, education, agriculture, and industrialisation under the “Green Revolution” policy. However, his tenure was cut short by a military coup on December 31, 1983, led by then Major-General Muhammadu Buhari.
The former president, Shehu Shagari, died on December 28, 2018, at the age of 93. Hajiya Sutura’s death marks the end of an era for the Shagari family and the nation’s early democratic legacy.
