Mai Kanuribe of Lagos Mourns the Passing of Alhaji Abbas, Mai Kanuribe of Edo
……………. Alhaji Mai Mele Abatcha and its entire Council extend profound heartfelt condolences to the Edo community
By Zannah Ibrahim Mustapha
Founder/Editor -In-Chief
Kanempress Digital Hub
1st July 2025
The Mai Kanuribe of Lagos State, Alhaji Mai Mele Abatcha, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Alhaji Abbas, the Mai Kanuribe of Edo State, describing it as a great loss to the Kanuri community across Nigeria. Speaking on behalf of the entire Kanuri Council of Lagos, Ambassador Mai Mele Abatcha called the late leader as an epitome of dignity, unity, and cultural preservation.
Alhaji Abbas was a revered traditional leader who played a vital role in promoting Kanuri identity and peaceful coexistence in Edo State. His leadership extended far beyond the borders of his immediate community, touching lives across the country through his contributions to the Mai Kanuribe Forum of Nigeria. He was known for his humility, wisdom, and dedication to his people.
Ambassador Abatcha, a highly respected voice among the Kanuri people in the Southwest, extended heartfelt condolences to His Eminence, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, CFR, and the Borno Emirate Council, acknowledging the loss of one of their distinguished sons in the southern diaspora. He emphasized that Alhaji Abbas’s passing is a national loss to the Kanuri people.
He also extended sympathies to the Mai Kanuribe Forum of Nigeria, urging members to draw strength from the legacy of leadership left behind by the late Alhaji Abbas. Ambassador Mai Mele Abatcha encouraged unity during this difficult time and called for a collective reflection on the values of service, humility, and cultural pride that the deceased embodied.
The Kanuri Council of Lagos, under the guidance of Alhaji Mai Mele Abatcha, offered prayers for the repose of the late leader’s soul and strength for his family and community. They prayed for Allah to grant Alhaji Abbas Jannatul Firdaus and called on Kanuris across Nigeria to honour his legacy.
Mai Kanuribe of Lagos, reaffirmed his commitment to preserving Kanuri heritage and supporting leaders who continue to champion peace and development. He described Alhaji Abbas as “a shining example of Kanuri resilience,” and pledged to uphold the torch of leadership passed down by him.
The Lagos Kanuri leader called on the wider Nigerian society to recognize the contributions of traditional leaders like Alhaji Abbas, who quietly but effectively build bridges across ethnic and cultural lines. His legacy, Alhaji Mai Mele Abatcha said, will live on through the values and vision he stood for.
