Sokoto Prince, Shehu Malami Dies @85

Shehu Malami, elder statesman and Sokoto prince, is dead.

He died on Monday in Cairo, Egypt after a protracted illness, according to family sources.

He was 85.

Another family source in Abuja said that the deceased had spent about a week in coma at the Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja before he was airlifted to Cairo days ago.

“Unfortunately, he died today in Cairo,” the family source said.

He held the traditional title of Sarkin Sudan of Wurno.

Mr Malami was Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa during the regime of General Sani Abacha.

He was born on November 14, 1937, in Sokoto.

He attended Waziri Ward Primary School, Sokoto; Sokoto Middle School, Kano Provincial Secondary School; and Bida Provincial Secondary School.

He was also at the North Devon Technical College, Barnstaple; Southern-on-Sea Municipal College, England; Middle Temple, London and Wolfson College, Cambridge, England.

He is a recipient of the merit award of Commander Order of the Niger, CON.

He is survived by seven children and many grand children.