In a poignant moment for Nigerian history and the Shagari family, Hajiya Sutura Shagari, the last surviving wife of Nigeria's second republic president, Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, has died at the age of 89. Her passing marks the end of an era for one of the country's most prominent political dynasties, evoking memories of a time when Nigeria navigated the complexities of democratic governance under Shagari's leadership from 1979 to 1983. Family sources confirmed that Hajiya Sutura breathed her last around 3:00 p.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, following a prolonged illness that had confined her to medical care in recent years.
The announcement was formally made by Captain Bala Shagari (retired), the eldest son of the late president and the current District Head of Shagari in Sokoto State. In a statement issued from Sokoto, the family's ancestral home, Capt. Bala Shagari expressed profound grief while invoking Islamic sentiments of acceptance and return to Allah. “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un,” the statement began, a traditional phrase meaning "Verily we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return." It continued: “With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Hajiya Sutura Shehu Shagari, the last surviving wife of the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, GCFR, Turakin Sokoto.”
Detailing the circumstances, the statement noted that Hajiya Sutura succumbed at approximately 3:00 p.m. after battling a long-term ailment. At 89 years old, she had lived a full life steeped in the traditions of northern Nigeria's aristocracy, yet marked by quiet resilience amid the public scrutiny that came with being married to a national leader. “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 family tribute read. This portrayal paints a picture of a woman who shunned the limelight, preferring to support her family from behind the scenes during her husband's tumultuous presidency and beyond.
Hajiya Sutura's death has elicited widespread mourning, not only within the Shagari clan but across Nigeria, where the late president's legacy continues to spark debate and nostalgia. Shehu Shagari, who died on December 28, 2018, at the age of 93, was Nigeria's first and only president under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the Second Republic. His administration is remembered for initiatives in housing, education, and agriculture, though it was overshadowed by allegations of corruption and economic mismanagement, culminating in a military coup led by General Muhammadu Buhari on December 31, 1983. Hajiya Sutura outlived her husband by nearly seven years and was the sole remaining spouse after the passing of his other wives, making her a living link to that chapter of Nigerian history.
Adding a personal touch to the family's grief, Bello Bala Shagari, one of the late president's grandsons and a prominent figure in his own right, took to his Facebook page to share his sorrow. “We lost our matriarch, the only surviving wife of our late grandfather, Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari. May Allah reunite them in Jannah,” he wrote, referring to paradise in Islamic belief. This heartfelt post quickly garnered condolences from friends, political associates, and ordinary Nigerians, highlighting the enduring respect for the Shagari name. Bello, known for his advocacy in youth empowerment and cultural preservation, often shares insights into the family's heritage, and his words underscored the intimate loss felt by the younger generation.
Born in the early 1930s in Shagari village, Sokoto State, Hajiya Sutura embodied the values of Fulani nobility and Islamic piety. Her marriage to Shehu Shagari, who hailed from the same region and rose from a teacher and local politician to national prominence, was a union that blended personal devotion with public duty. Throughout Shagari's political career—including his roles as a federal minister in the First Republic and later as president—she remained a pillar of stability. Sources close to the family describe her as a woman of profound faith, who dedicated much of her time to charitable causes, supporting orphans, widows, and educational endeavors in Sokoto and beyond. Her humility was legendary; even during the presidency, she avoided ostentatious displays, focusing instead on raising her children and grandchildren with moral grounding.
The Shagari family has indicated that further details regarding funeral arrangements will be announced soon. In line with Islamic customs, burial is expected to occur swiftly, likely in Sokoto, where the late president was also laid to rest. The rites will undoubtedly draw dignitaries from across Nigeria, including former heads of state, governors, and traditional rulers, paying homage to a woman who quietly influenced one of the nation's key historical figures. Sokoto, as the seat of the Sokoto Caliphate, holds deep cultural significance, and Hajiya Sutura's final journey there will symbolize a return to her roots.
This loss resonates beyond the immediate family, stirring reflections on Nigeria's political evolution. Shehu Shagari's era was a period of civilian rule interrupted by military intervention, a pattern that shaped much of the country's post-independence trajectory. Hajiya Sutura's survival until 2025 meant she witnessed Nigeria's transition through multiple republics, economic booms and busts, and the rise of new generations of leaders. Her passing at 89 comes at a time when Nigeria grapples with contemporary challenges, reminding citizens of the human stories behind political legacies.
Tributes have begun pouring in from various quarters. Political analysts note that Hajiya Sutura represented the unsung heroes of Nigerian politics—the spouses who endure the pressures of office without seeking credit. In Sokoto, local leaders have expressed condolences, emphasizing her role in community development. One elder, speaking anonymously, recalled her visits to rural areas, where she distributed aid and offered counsel, always with a smile that disarmed even the most skeptical.
As the nation mourns, the Shagari family's statement concluded with a prayer: “Her loss is deeply felt by the Shagari family and all who knew her. May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace.” This sentiment captures the essence of a life lived with poise amid adversity. Hajiya Sutura Shagari leaves behind a legacy of compassion that transcends politics, a matriarch whose quiet strength fortified a family that continues to contribute to Nigeria's fabric.
In the coming days, as funeral plans unfold, more stories of her life are likely to emerge—anecdotes of her wisdom, her devotion to Islam, and her unwavering support for her husband's vision of a united Nigeria. For now, the country pauses to honor the last thread connecting it directly to the Second Republic's presidential household. Her death at 89, after a prolonged illness, closes a chapter, but her memory as a beacon of dignity will endure. The Shagari family, though grieving, finds solace in faith, hoping for a reunion in the hereafter, as echoed by her grandson.
This event also prompts broader contemplation on mortality and legacy in Nigerian public life. Figures like Hajiya Sutura remind us that behind every leader stands a support system of extraordinary resilience. As Nigeria moves forward, her example of humility in the face of power remains a timeless lesson. Funeral announcements are anticipated imminently, and the nation watches with respect.
