Tributes As Ningi Emir Dies After 46 Years On Throne

The Emir of Ningi, Alhaji Yunus Muhammad Ɗanyaya has died after a protracted illness yesterday.

The emir spent about 46 years on the throne, becoming one of the longest serving traditional rulers in northern Nigeria.

Born in 1936, the late emir was enthroned as Emir of Ningi in 1978. He attended the Ningi Elementary School, Bauchi Middle School, School of Hygiene, Kano and later Ahmadu Bello University Zaria where he earned a diploma in Public Administration.

Secretary of Ningi Emirate Council, Usman Sule, in a statement, confirmed the demise of the emir.

He said that the emir died in a Kano hospital having earlier returned from a medical trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the people of Ningi Emirate and the Bauchi State government over the passing of the Emir of Ningi, Alhaji Yunusa Muhammad Danyaya.

President Tinubu in a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale described the deceased as an illustrious leader who deployed the power and resources of his throne in the service of his community.

The president prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed traditional ruler and condoled with his family and all those grieving the loss.

Also reacting to the death of the emir, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Governor Bala Mohammed described the emir as a man of peace, adding that “his death has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of the people of Ningi emirate, Bauchi State, and Nigeria at large.

“Throughout his reign, he exemplified the highest values of leadership, fostering unity, progress, and development across Ningi Emirate.

“His legacy as a guardian of tradition, culture, and Islamic values will continue to inspire future generations,” he said.

Governor Mohammed added, “His Royal Highness will be remembered as a father to all, a pillar of strength, and a beacon of light in our state.”

Gombe State governor Inuwa Yahaya has expressed his condolences to the government and people of Bauchi State over the passing of the Emir of Ningi, Yunusa Danyaya, who died on Sunday at the age of 88.

In a statement by his media aide Isma’ila Uba Misilli, Governor Inuwa said the demise of the first-class traditional ruler, especially at this time, is a significant loss to the Ningi emirate and the country as a whole.

Emir of Ningi Alhaji (Dr.) His Royal Highness Alhaji Yunusa Muhammad Danyaya (OON), the second longest-serving Emir in Bauchi State, was laid to rest in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State on Sunday.

Danyaya, who spent 46 years on the throne, died early Sunday at 88 after a protracted illness at a hospital in Kano. Four wives and 24 children survived him.

The funeral prayer, led by the Chief Imam of Ningi, Imam Muhammad Umar, was attended by dignitaries from works of life, including Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Senators among others.

Include Emirs from within and outside the state, top government functionaries, politicians and hundreds of sympathisers.

Speaking after the funeral prayer, Governor Bala Mohammed described the late Emir as a father who demonstrated the highest value of leadership, fostering unity, progress and development within Ningi Emirate and Bauchi State and the country as a whole.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the deceased internal rest and for the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Danyaya was crowned as Emir of Ningi in 1978 and was subsequently upgraded to first-class status in 1998.

Alhaji Yunusa was born in Ningi in 1936. He attended Ningi Elementary School between 1941 and 1946. He then proceeded to Bauchi Middle School in 1946 and completed his studies there in 1951. He later enrolled at the School of Hygiene, Kano, in 1951. Alhaji Yunusa also attended Ahmadu Bello University Zaria (ABU) for a one-year course in Public Administration between 1956 and 1957. Similarly, he attended a course at the British Council, Kano, between 1959 and 1960. Between 1960 and 1962, he obtained a diploma in public administration from ABU Zaria.

Before he passed away, Yunusa Muhammad Danyaya was a distinguished and highly respected first-class traditional ruler in the Northeast Geographical Zone. He was adored by his subjects for his sense of justice, fairness, and equity. His tenure witnessed the rapid transformation of Ningi from a rural community to a fast-developing and modern town.

As a foremost administrator, he had a distinguished service record in the Native Authority (NA) Administration. He started as a dispenser at Nasaru Dispensary, Ningi, between 1953 and 1958. He was a member of the Ningi Emirate Council from 1956 to 1960. He served as councillor of the Medical and Health Department (1958-1959). From 1954 to 1956, he was a member of Ningi N.A Outer Council. He served as a Councilor Works, Police and Prisons (1959 – 1960) and was a member of Ningi  N.Strong room controllers (1956 – 1960). He was Turbaned District Head and Chiroman Ningi 1959.

He took a career detour when he joined the Nigerian Tobacco Company, Zaria, in 1963 as a welfare officer. He served there until 1967, when he switched to the Northern Nigeria Marketing Board as Assistant Marketing officer. He was made Assistant Manager In charge of Gusau and Kaura Namoda in 1968. Through a dint of hard work, he was elevated to Manager at Maiduguri Groundnut depot in 1969. He took up higher responsibilities when he was appointed Sub – Area Manager In charge of Gombe, Biu and Kumo in 1970. He was transferred in 1974 and was  eventually In charge of Yola, Mubi and Mambila.

In 1976, he was appointed Acting Area Manager Incharge of the North Eastern States Marketing Board. Alhaji Yunusa also served as a Chairman of the Asset Sharing Committee between Northern States and Benue and Plateau Marketing Boards.

Also, in its condolence message, the management, staff, and students of Sa’adu Zungur University, under the leadership of Professor Fatimah Tahir, said that they were deeply saddened by the passing of the Emir of Ningi, Alhaji Dr. Yunusa Danyaya.

“The university community mourns the loss of a revered traditional ruler, a symbol of wisdom, leadership, and cultural heritage. His demise is a great loss not only to the Ningi Emirate but also to the academic community”, the varsity stated.

The University Vice Chancellor, Professor Fatimah Tahir, expressed her condolences in a message signed by Auwal Hassan, saying, “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the passing of Emir Yunusa Danyaya.” She described him as a great leader and a champion of education.

Similarly, condoling the death of the Ningi emir, the Bauchi State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board recalled that the late Royal Father Alh. Dr. Yunusa Muhammadu Danyaya, a 16th revered monarch of Ningi who reigned for 46 years, died in the early hours of Sunday, August 25th, 2024, after a brief illness.

The Board Executive Secretary, Imam Abdurrahman Ibrahim Idris, in a condolence message, described the deceased as a great leader and a man of wisdom whose unwavering support and contribution to the development of Traditional institutions and progress of Bauchi state have left an indelible mark, which replacement is something luckily.

The staff and management of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Bauchi (ATBUTH) also extended its heartfelt condolences to the royal family, the people of Ningi emirate, the Bauchi state government, and the entire citizens of Bauchi state.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD), Professor Yusuf Bara Jibrin, said, “As we mourn the passing of this great leader, we also celebrate his enduring legacy. We pray to Almighty Allah to grant the late Emir eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus and provide comfort to all affected by this profound loss”.