The news was received with "profound sadness and shock" by Engineer Ibrahim Shehu Gusau, popularly known as Bakauye, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Governorship Candidate in Zamfara State.
In a condolence message released after the burial, Shehu Bakauye described the late monarch as more than a traditional ruler. To the people of Zurmi, he said, the Emir was a father, a leader, and a guardian whose reign was defined by service.
"Throughout his reign, His Royal Highness devoted himself to the peace, unity, welfare, and development of his people," Bakauye stated. "His wisdom, humility, sacrifices, and commitment to the wellbeing of the Emirate will remain deeply cherished and remembered by all who knew him and by generations yet unborn."
The late Emir’s death has created a huge vacuum in Zurmi and across the state. Residents recalled his role in mediating communal disputes, promoting education, and speaking for rural communities during security challenges. Traditional rulers in Zamfara remain central to peacebuilding and social cohesion, and the Emir of Zurmi was widely respected for his calm leadership.
On behalf of himself, his family, and his supporters across the 14 local government areas of Zamfara, Engineer Ibrahim Shehu extended heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the Zurmi Emirate Council, the people of Zurmi Local Government, and the entire Zamfara State community.
"This is a great and irreparable loss," the statement read. "The vacuum created by the passing of His Royal Highness will be difficult to fill. But we take solace in the fact that he lived a life of service and left behind a legacy of peace and unity."
Shehu Bakauye offered prayers for the departed soul. "We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives the shortcomings of the deceased, have mercy upon him, accept his good deeds, illuminate and widen his grave, and grant him the highest station in Jannatul Firdaus."
He also prayed for those left behind to cope with the loss. "We further pray that Allah (SWT) grant his family, the Emirate Council, and the people of Zurmi the sabr, patience, strength, and fortitude to bear this painful loss, and reward them abundantly for their patience in this trying period."
The PDP chieftain urged the people of Zurmi to sustain the values their late Emir stood for, even as the Emirate Council begins consultations on the way forward.
"May Allah preserve the good legacy His Royal Highness left behind," he said. "And may He grant the people of Zurmi Emirate the wisdom and unity to uphold the values of peace, leadership, and service for which he was known."
Government officials, political leaders, and traditional rulers from within and outside the state attended the funeral prayers and burial yesterday. Tributes have continued to pour in, with many describing Alhaji Bello Sulaiman as a monarch who led with humility and dedication until his last days.
May his soul rest in peace.
