Nigeria has been thrown into mourning following the death of Hajiya Sutura Shehu Shagari, the last surviving wife of late former Nigerian President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari.
She passed away on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the age of 89, after a prolonged illness.
The sad news was confirmed by the family in a statement signed by the late president’s eldest son, Capt. Bala Shagari, who also serves as the Sarkin Mafaran Shagari.
According to him, Hajiya Sutura died peacefully around 3 p.m. on Monday.
Capt. Bala described his late mother as “an embodiment of grace, humility, and quiet strength who lived a life with dignity.”
Her death marks the end of an era for the Shagari family, bringing emotional reflections on the legacy of Nigeria’s first executive president and his household.
Throughout her husband’s political journey, she stood as his pillar of support and remained deeply respected for her calm nature and wisdom.
Even after her husband’s passing in 2018, she was seen as a unifying figure within the family and the larger Shagari community in Sokoto.
Close family members and associates described her as a quiet force who nurtured peace and harmony among all.
Shehu Shagari served as Nigeria’s first executive president following the transition from military rule in 1979.
His government marked the beginning of the Second Republic before it was cut short by a military coup in 1983.
Hajiya Sutura’s passing also comes just three months after the death of Chief Audu Ogbeh, who served as Minister of Communications under Shagari’s government.
His death in August at the age of 78 further deepened the sense of loss among Nigerians who cherish the memory of that political era.
Since the news broke, tributes have poured in from Nigerians across social and political divides.
Many described Hajiya Sutura as a “mother of the nation” and a silent influencer who represented the values of compassion and dignity.
In his statement, Capt. Bala Shagari expressed gratitude to all well-wishers for their prayers and condolences, adding that “the family remains comforted by the outpouring of love from across the country.”
The Shagari family is expected to announce funeral arrangements soon.
However, close sources confirmed that the burial would be conducted in accordance with Islamic rites in Sokoto.
