By: Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna
A high-ranking traditional leader in the Zazzau Emirate Council of Kaduna State, Alhaji Rilwan Yahaya Pate, passed away on Thursday after collapsing at a public event.
He was later pronounced dead at Gambo Sawaba General Hospital in Kofar Gayan, Zaria.
Alhaji Rilwan Yahaya Pate, who held the title of Sarkin Yakin Zazzau, was attending the event alongside the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, when he suddenly slumped.
The Zazzau Emirate Council confirmed his passing through a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Officer, Abdullahi Aliyu Kwarbai.
The statement expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the council member, who also served as the Councillor in charge of health-related matters.
Following Islamic rites, the late monarch was laid to rest on Thursday evening at Rimin Dodo.
In his condolence message, the Emir of Zazzau described the loss as “the will of Allah” and emphasised that death is an inevitable part of life. He praised Alhaji Rilwan Yahaya Pate as a devoted, diligent, and religious leader whose absence will be deeply felt.
The Emir also offered prayers for the deceased, asking for his soul to rest in eternal peace.
