President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Sarkin Sasa, Alhaji Haruna Katsina, who, until his death, served as the Chairman of the Council of Arewa Traditional Leaders in the 17 southern states.
The revered community leader passed away at the age of 125 and was laid to rest over the weekend in Sasa, Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the death of Sarkin Sasa as a significant loss to the nation, highlighting his immense contributions to fostering unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
“The community leader’s death is a huge loss to the country, given his significant influence and contributions to peaceful coexistence among Nigerians,” the statement read.
Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the Sarkin Sasa family, the people and governments of Oyo and Katsina states, as well as the leaders of Arewa communities across the southern states.
The late Sarkin Sasa was widely respected for his leadership and dedication to promoting harmony among different ethnic groups in Nigeria.
His passing marks the end of an era of traditional leadership that emphasised inclusivity and national unity.
