UK High Commissioner Mourns Passing of Sardauna of Sokoto
UK High Commissioner Mourns Passing of Sardauna of Sokoto
By Animasahun Salman
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery CMG, has condoled with the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the family of Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, Sardaunan Sokoto, over his death.
Montgomery conveyed the condolence in a letter dated August 4, 2026, describing the late Sardaunan Sokoto as a distinguished public servant who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria.
The High Commissioner, on behalf of the British Government, extended his condolences to the Sultan, the deceased’s family and the people of Sokoto State over the passing of the elder statesman, who died on July 30, 2026.
“Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji dedicated his life to public service with exceptional integrity and distinction, leaving an enduring legacy through his service as a senior technocrat, Permanent Secretary, Federal Minister, and respected member of the Sokoto Sultanate,” Montgomery stated.
He also paid tribute to the late Sardauna’s diplomatic service, noting that he served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom between 1992 and 1996.
Montgomery said the deceased “helped strengthen the longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation between our two countries” during his tenure in London.
He further recalled that Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in 1989, describing the honour as a reflection of the high regard in which he was held and his contribution to Nigeria-UK relations.
“At this time of great loss, I join family, friends, colleagues, and Nigerians across the country in mourning a dedicated public servant and elder statesman,” the High Commissioner said.
He prayed for Allah to grant the deceased Al-Jannatul Firdaus and give strength, comfort and patience to those mourning his death.
