Top Kaduna Traditional Title Holder Slumps, Dies At Public Function

A prominent member of the Zazzau Emirate Council, Alhaji Rilwan Yahaya Pate, passed away on Thursday after collapsing at a public function in Zaria.

Pate, who held the traditional title of Sarkin Yakin Zazzau, was attending an event alongside the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, when he suddenly slumped. He was rushed to the Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Confirming the incident, the Media and Publicity Officer of the Zazzau Emirate, Abdullahi Aliyu Kwarbai, expressed deep sorrow over the loss. In a statement, he said: “It is with great sadness that the Zazzau Emirate Council announces the passing of Sarkin Yakin Zazzau, Alhaji Rilwanu Yahaya Pate, a Council Member of the Emirate. Alhaji Rilwanu Yahaya, who also served as Councillor in charge of Health-Related Matters, passed away while attending a program alongside His Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR, at Hajiya Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Kofan Gayan, Zaria, this morning.”

Following Islamic rites, the late Sarkin Yakin Zazzau was laid to rest on Thursday evening at Rimin Dodo.

In his condolence message, the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, described the loss as “the will of Allah”, emphasizing that “death is inevitable and can come whenever Allah destines.”

The Emir praised the late Pate as a hardworking, dedicated, and religious leader whose absence will be deeply felt in the Emirate Council. He extended his condolences to the deceased’s family and prayed for his soul to rest in eternal peace.