The Sardaunan Sokoto and former Minister of Finance, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, has died.
Family sources confirmed the passing of the elder statesman yesterday in Abuja after a prolonged illness. “He passed away this morning in an Abuja hospital after a prolonged illness”, a source said.
Until his death, Alhaji (a.k.a Triple-A) held the revered traditional title of Sardaunan Sokoto. A member of the Sokoto Caliphate royal family, the Late Alhaji had a distinguished career in Nigeria’s public service, serving under several administrations.
Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji served as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance between 1985 and 1986 during the administration of former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. He was also a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, and Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
A thorough-bred administrator, he held several other key positions in the civil service and corporate sector during his illustrious career. He joined the Federal Civil Service in 1964 and rose through the ranks to become a Permanent Secretary, serving in key ministries, including Finance, Trade and National Planning.
Former military President Ibrahim Babangida later appointed him Minister of State for Budget and Planning in 1988 before he became Minister of Finance between 1990 and 1991. Alhaji also served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in the mid-1990s.
He was turbaned as the Sardaunan Sokoto in 1990, succeeding the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, who held the title until his assassination in 1966. He was also the elder brother of the late Aliyu Dasuƙi. As Sardaunan Sokoto, he was one of the most revered traditional title holders in the Sokoto Caliphate and played major roles in community development, diplomacy and national affairs.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the country, with political leaders, traditional institutions and associates describing him as a patriot, administrator and bridge builder.
