ANKARA

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday mourned the death of Emir of Zazzau Alhaji Shehu Idris, one of the country’s most influential traditional leaders who passed away on Sunday at the age of 45.

"With the passing of Alhaji Shehu Idris, Nigeria has lost one of its longest reigning traditional monarchs whose contributions to the promotion of unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians cannot be forgotten for years to come," Buhari said in a press release.

“The Emir of Zazzau who ascended to the throne in 1975, had used his long reign to serve his people with dedication and identified with their aspirations at all times," he added.

Buhari has sent a delegation of senior officials headed by his Chief of Staff Ibrahim Gambari to attend the burial of the emir, according to the presidency.