The family of Nigeria’s former President, Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, GCFR, has announced the death of his last surviving wife, Hajiya Saratu Shehu Shagari, who died on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the age of 89.
In a statement signed and made available to newsmen on Monday by the eldest son of the former President and Sarkin Mafaran Shagari, Captain Mohammed Bala Shagari (rtd), the family said Hajiya Saratu passed away peacefully at about 3:00 p.m. after a prolonged illness.
“With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Hajiya Saratu Shehu Shagari, the last surviving wife of former President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, GCFR, Turakin Sokoto,” the statement read.
He described the late matriarch as “a woman of grace, humility, and quiet strength who lived a life of dignity and devotion to family and faith.”
The family added that details of her funeral arrangements would be made public later.
Hajiya Saratu lived a modest and exemplary life, standing by her husband throughout his long and distinguished public career.
Her husband, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, served as Nigeria’s first Executive President between 1979 and 1983, under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN).
His administration was known for its Green Revolution programme aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and for steering Nigeria’s return to democratic governance after years of military rule.
President Shagari’s government was toppled in a military coup in December 1983, after which he retired from active politics until his death in December 2018 at the age of 93.
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