Family Announces Death of Hajiya Saratu Shagari, Widow of Former President Shehu Shagari
The family of Nigeria’s Second Republic President, Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, has announced the passing of his last surviving wife, Hajiya Saratu Shagari. She died on Monday at the age of 89.
According to a family statement released in Sokoto, Hajiya Saratu passed away peacefully after a brief illness. She was the last surviving wife of the late President Shagari, who led Nigeria from 1979 to 1983 and died in December 2018 at the age of 93.
Confirming her death, one of the family members, Bala Shagari, said funeral prayers for the deceased were held at the Shagari family residence in Sokoto, in accordance with Islamic rites. She has since been buried at the Shagari town cemetery.
The late Hajiya Saratu was widely respected for her humility, compassion, and dedication to family and community life. During her lifetime, she played a supportive role to her husband throughout his political career and remained a pillar of strength to the Shagari family after his demise.
Condolence messages have begun to pour in from across the country, with leaders and citizens expressing grief and admiration for her life of service and simplicity.
Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State described her death as “a great loss to the state and the nation,” noting that Hajiya Saratu lived a life of devotion and moral integrity worthy of emulation.
“She was not only the wife of a former president but also a mother to many, known for her kindness and commitment to humanity,” the governor said in a condolence message to the family.
The late matriarch is survived by children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, including the eldest son, Bala Shagari, who served as the District Head of Shagari.
May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
