The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, HFNIM, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the former Military Governor of Bauchi State and traditional leader of the Bassa Nge Kingdom in Kogi State, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abu Ali.
The late monarch, who retired as a Brigadier General of the Nigerian Army in 1999, died in the early hours of Monday, November 24, 2025. His demise was announced by the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmad Usman Ododo.
Alhaji Abu Ali was father of the late Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali, a decorated Nigerian Army officer who was killed during a Boko Haram ambush in November 2016.
Alhaji Sai’du Maccido, the Danburam Sokoto who also doubles as the Secretary to the Sultanate Council stated this in a statement issued on Monday.
Reacting to the news, the Sultan described the late Kogi State Monarch as a distinguished leader whose life exemplified humility, service, and commitment to his people.
He emphasized that in Islam, leadership is viewed as service, noting that the late Brigadier General embodied this principle throughout his military career and reign on the throne.
“As Muslims, we lead; we do not rule. General Abu Ali, from his days as a military governor to his time as Etsu of the Bassa Nge Kingdom, led his people by example, and we are all living witnesses to his exemplary leadership.
“Brigadier General Abu Ali was one fine officer that will be seriously missed for the good times we shared together having both served as officers of the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps Bauchi, where he was Commander, and when we both became monarchs,” the Sultan deeply mourned.
While consoling the family, government and people of Kogi State, the sultan prayed for the repose of the monarch’s soul, asking Almighty Allah to accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.
