The Emir of Ningi in Bauchi State, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Yunusa Muhammad Danyaya has passed away.
The esteemed monarch died early on Sunday in Kano, where he had been receiving medical care for age-related health issues.
The late Emir will be laid to rest later on Sunday at 4pm following a funeral prayer at the Emir’s Palace in Ningi.
The announcement of his death was made by the Secretary of the Emirate, Alhaji Usman Sule, Magayakin Ningi, in a brief statement written in Hausa.
“Innalillahi Wa’innan Ilaihir Raji’un. Allah yayiwa mai Martaba Sarkin Ningi, Dr. Yunusa Muhammadu Dan Yaya (OON), rasuwa da asubahin yau, Lahadi a Kano. Iza ayi jana’iza da karfe Hudu na yamma a kofar Fada. Sanarwa daga Sakataren Fada, Alhaji Usman Sule, Magayakin Ningi,” the statement said.
Alhaji Yunusa Muhammad Danyaya was a highly respected first-class traditional ruler in the North East Geographical Zone.
As the Emir of Ningi, he was beloved for his commitment to justice, fairness, and development. Under his leadership, Ningi evolved from a rural settlement into a modern and rapidly developing town.
Born in Ningi in 1936, Alhaji Yunusa’s educational journey began at Ningi Elementary School, 1941-1946, and continued at Bauchi Middle School, where he completed his studies in 1951.
He furthered his education at the School of Hygiene, Kano, and later pursued studies at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, earning a diploma in public administration.
He began his career in the Native Authority Administration as a dispenser at Nasaru Dispensary in Ningi (1953-1958) and held various roles, including a member of the Ningi Emirate Council, Councilor of the Medical and Health Department, and District Head and Chiroman Ningi.
He later worked for the Nigerian Tobacco Company and the Northern Nigeria Marketing Board, eventually becoming Sub-Area Manager and Acting Area Manager for the North Eastern States Marketing Board.
Crowned Emir of Ningi in 1978 and elevated to first-class status in 1998, Alhaji Yunusa made significant contributions through organizations like Jama’atul Nasril Islam and the National Council of States.
He also served as Acting Chairman of the Board of Directors of Inland Bank Nigeria Plc and Director of the Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority.
His contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including the National Honours Award as “Officer of the Order of Niger (OON)”.
Alhaji Yunusa traveled widely, including to the UK, Germany, Canada, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Namibia, and other West African countries. His interests included horse riding, farming, and traveling. He was married with twenty-four children.
