Alhaji Mai Umar Mustapha Aliyu, the traditional ruler of Biu in Borno State, has passed away at 79.
He died on Monday night at the Federal Medical Center (Federal Teaching Hospital), Gombe state after a brief illness.
The family of the traditional ruler announcing his passing said:
We lost our father a pillar to Biu Emirate and Borno entirely, the Emir of Biu.
May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him the highest place in Jannatul Firdaus.
Born on November 9, 1940 in Biu, the late monarch attended Kwaya Kusar Junior Primary School between 1947 and 1949.
Aliyu later went to Biu Central Primary School from 1950 to 1953. He thereafter proceeded to Hausari Primary School in Maiduguri between 1953 and 1955.
The deceased was at various times a Veterinary attendant, a member representing Biu Emirate at the Borno State Council of Arts and Culture, and District Head of Biu town from 1975 to 1989 when he became the Emir of Biu.
The Biu Emirate is a traditional state-based in Biu in Borno State, Nigeria. Prior to 1920, it was referred to as the Biu Kingdom.
He left behind four wives, over 70 children, and 200 grandchildren.
May his soul rest in peace.
