By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Hajiya Sutura Shehu-Shagari, the last surviving wife of Nigeria’s former President Alhaji Shehu Shagari, has passed away at the age of 89.
The Shagari family confirmed her death in a statement on Monday. Capt. Muhammad Bala Shagari (retd.), head of the family, said she died around 3pm following 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.
The statement added that her loss is deeply felt by the Shagari family and all who knew her.
“Further details and funeral arrangements would be announced in due course. May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace,” it added.
Hajiya Sutura was married to Shehu Shagari, Nigeria’s first democratically elected executive president, who held office from 1979 to 1983 under the National Party of Nigeria.
Born on February 25, 1925, in Shagari village in what is now Sokoto State, Shagari had a career as a teacher, administrator, and politician, serving as a minister in several federal ministries before winning the 1979 presidential election.
His administration prioritised housing, education, agriculture, and industrialisation through the “Green Revolution” policy.
Shagari’s presidency was cut short on December 31, 1983, by a military coup led by then Major-General Muhammadu Buhari. Shagari passed away on December 28, 2018, at the age of 93.