One of Borno State’s frontline traditional ruler, the Emir of Biu, Mai Umar Mustafa Aliyu is dead. He was 80.
Palace sources said he died in his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday in his palace.
The state government has also confirmed the death. The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Alhaji Babakura Abba-Jato, in a statement in Maiduguri said, “Inna Lillahi wa innah ilayhi rajiun, his royal highness the Emir of Biu, Mai Umar Mustafa Aliyu has answered the call of Allah Subuhanahu wa Taa La.
“The late Emir was appointed in June 1989. He died this morning at the age of 80. He will be laid to rest in Biu at 2pm today according to palace sources. May his soul rest in perfect peace, Ameen.”
He was born on November 9, 1940 in Biu, and attended Kwaya Kusar Junior Primary School between 1947 and 1949 and Biu Central Primary School from 1950 to 1953.
He went to Hausari Primary School in Maiduguri between 1953 and 1955. He was the District Head of Biu from 1975 to 1989 before he emerged the Emir.