Dangote, Fintiri, traditional rulers attend Bamanga Tukur’s burial

Former Governor of the defunct Gongola State and one-time National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, was on Sunday buried in Yola after funeral prayers at the Lamido of Adamawa’s Palace Mosque.

The Janazah prayer took place shortly before 11am inside the palace mosque, with thousands of mourners, government officials and dignitaries in attendance.

Among the dignitaries were Africa’s richest industrialist, Aliko Dangote, and the host paramount ruler, the Emir of Adamawa, Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, who was accompanied by several other traditional rulers from across the state.

Bamanga Tukur’s remains were later interred at his late father’s family compound near the Lamido Palace in Yola, in accordance with Islamic rites.

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri led a large delegation of government officials to both the prayers and burial rites.

Governor Fintiri described the late Tukur as a father, mentor and builder of men, saying, “From NPA to Government House, from the boardroom to PDP National Secretariat, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur served Nigeria with distinction. Adamawa has lost an Iroko tree. His wisdom, generosity and commitment to development will be greatly missed.”

The governor announced Monday, September 14, 2026, as a work-free day as part of the three-day mourning period he declared earlier on Saturday, hours after Bamanga Tukur’s death.

Business mogul Aliko Dangote described Bamanga Tukur as a pioneer of private enterprise in Northern Nigeria, saying, “He believed in industry, in jobs, in building Nigeria. He opened doors for many of us in business.”

Senator Jibrilla Bindow, who was governor of Adamawa State from 2015 to 2019, said Bamanga Tukur was a political father whose counsel benefited him and other political leaders who made themselves available to the late elder statesman.

Bamanga Tukur died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Abuja, days before his 91st birthday. His remains were flown to Yola, where his body spent the night at his private residence in Jimeta, Yola North Local Government Area.

Bamanga Tukur, who was born on September 15, 1935, is survived by two wives and 18 children, including Alhaji Awwal Tukur, who is Secretary to the Government of Adamawa State.