Former Chief of Staff to Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, General Mohammed Abdullahi, has passed away.
The retired military officer, a respected son of the Ilorin Emirate in Kwara State, reportedly died in the early hours of Wednesday at the age of 86.
Emir of Ilorin Mourns Abdullahi
Although there has been no official confirmation from his family, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has issued a condolence message mourning the former Chief of Staff’s death.
According to reports, General Abdullahi will be buried on Wednesday at the National Cemetery in Abuja.
In a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir described the late General as “a proud indigene of Ilorin Emirate and a distinguished Nigerian who used his positions, strength, and wealth to promote national unity and humanity.”
He added that Abdullahi was a “patriotic and detribalised Nigerian whose contributions to national unity and development knew no bounds.”
The Emir extended his condolences to Abdullahi’s family, the governments of Kwara and Plateau States, and the Federal Government, praying for Allah’s mercy upon his soul and for him to be granted Aljannah Firdaus.
A Life of Distinguished Service
Born in 1939, General Abdullahi held several key national positions during his lifetime. He served as Chief of Staff to Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo (1999–2007) and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (2007–2008).
He was also National Security Adviser to General Abdulsalami Abubakar (1998–1999), Director-General of the National Security Organisation (1976–1979), and Military Governor of Benue-Plateau State (1975–1976).