The family of the late former Nigerian president, Shehu Shagari, has announced the death of the last surviving wife of the late Nigerian leader, Hajiya Sutura Shehu Shagari.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the eldest son of the late president, who is also serving as the Sarkin Mafaran Shagari, Capt. Bala Shagari.

According to the statement, the late president's wife passed away at about 3p.m on Monday, November 10, after suffering from a prolonged illness. She died at the age of 89.

Vanguard reported that the family announced her death with "deep sorrow", stating that she was the last surviving wife of the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The statement reads in part: “Hajiya Saratu was an embodiment of grace, humility and quiet strength who lived a life with dignity.”

Shagari was an influential Nigerian politician who was first elected president in 1979 when the military, General Olusegun Obasanjo, handed over power to the civilian government. His emergence gave rise to Nigeria's second republic.

Saratu's death came just three months after Audu Ogbeh, the former Minister of Communications under Shagari, died. The elder statesman reportedly died on Saturday morning, August 9, at the age of 78. His death was announced in a statement by the family on the same day, stating that he passed away peacefully in the early hours of the day.

Shagari and Audu Ogbe

The family explained that his death was announced "with deep sadness". He was described as a husband, father and grandfather. He was described as a man who passed away peacefully and left behind "a legacy of integrity, service, and dedication" to the community and the country at large.

The statement partly reads: “We are comforted by the many lives he touched and the example he set.” The family added that the details of his burial arrangement would be communicated to the public at the right time and expressed their appreciation to colleagues, friends and well-wishers for their support and prayers.

Ogbeh was a prominent politician in Nigeria. He was the PDP chairman from 2001 to 2005 and served as a Minister of Agriculture under the immediate past administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died barely a month ago.