The last surviving wife of Nigeria’s former President, Shehu Shagari, Hajiya Sutura Shehu-Shagari, has died at the age of 89.

A statement issued on Monday by the head of the Shagari family, Capt. Muhammad Bala Shagari (retd.), said Hajiya Sutura passed away around 3:00 pm on Monday after a prolonged illness.

“She was an embodiment of grace, humility, and quiet strength, a devoted mother, grandmother, and matriarch who lived a life defined by dignity and compassion.

“Further details and funeral arrangements would be announced in due course. May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace,” the statement read in part.

Hajiya Sutura was the widow of Shehu Shagari, Nigeria’s first democratically elected executive president, who served from 1979 to 1983, under the banner of the National Party of Nigeria.

According to the statement, her passing is deeply felt by the Shagari family and all who knew her.