Royal father hails Mallam Abdullahi Liman Ma’aji’s legacy during condolence visit to Imam’s family

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The Emir of Zuru, Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi Mika’ilu Sami Gomo III, has paid glowing tribute to the first Chief Imam of Zuru, Mallam Abdullahi Liman Ma’aji, describing him as a pillar of Islamic scholarship and moral leadership in the emirate.

The Emir made the remarks during a condolence visit to the family of the Chief Imam following the death of Hajiya Rakiya Abdullahi Liman Ma’aji, the last surviving elder in the family. She passed away at the age of 103, marking the end of an era for the household and the wider Zuru community.

In a statement issued by Abdullahi Idris, Saudakin Zuru, the Emir said Mallam Abdullahi Liman Ma’aji played a historic role in spreading Islam and strengthening religious institutions across the Zuru Emirate. He described Hajiya Rakiya’s passing as a profound loss, not only to the family but to the entire emirate.

The Emir noted that Hajiya Rakiya was widely respected for her role as a bridge builder among Zuru’s diverse ethnic and religious groups. Throughout her long life, she was known for promoting Islamic values, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect within the community.

He urged members of the family to take comfort in the legacy she left behind, emphasizing that her selfless service to Allah and humanity would continue to speak for her. The Emir also called for sustained prayers for departed leaders who dedicated their lives to unity, peace, and the progress of the emirate.

Historical records show that Mallam Abdullahi Liman Ma’aji served the Zuru Emirate under three traditional rulers after arriving in the area in the 1890s. His deep knowledge of Islam and leadership qualities earned him lasting respect, laying a strong foundation for Islamic practice in the emirate.

He was later succeeded by one of his sons, the late Chief Imam Alhaji Muhammadu Tanko Liman, who was appointed in the early 1990s by the late Emir Sami I. The late Imam Tanko Liman was also a respected member of a prominent family, being a younger brother to late Alkali Idrisu and elder brother to late Alhaji Hamidu Ladan Zuru, the Danmasanin Zuru, among others.

Source: The Authority