First Class Traditional Ruler, Abu King Shuluwa is dead

The demise of His Royal Highness, Abu King Shuluwa, the Tor Sankera and foremost first-class chief of the Sankera kingdom in Benue State, has been announced.

The announcement, made on Saturday by Shiniyi Tyozua, the Secretary of Tiv Area Traditional Council, revealed that the revered monarch passed away on Tuesday at the age of 79 at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State.

Before his demise, His Royal Highness, Abu King Shuluwa, held the titles of Tor Sankera and Chairman of Sankera Intermediate Area Traditional Council, overseeing the Katsina-Ala, Logo, and Ukum local government areas. Additionally, he was a distinguished member of the Tiv Area Traditional Council and Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers.

The late king had actively participated in engagements leading up to his passing, attending the burial of late Ter Katsina-Ala, Benjamin Wombo, and conducting meetings with traditional rulers under his jurisdiction to address security concerns in Sankera axis.

The burial ceremony for His Royal Highness is scheduled for February 10, 2024, as announced by the Tiv Area Traditional Council.

Born on December 31, 1946, in Usambe, Ikyrav-Tiev II, Katsina Ala Local Government Area, Abu King Shuluwa ascended to the position of first-class chief on May 14, 2018. He received his staff of office from former Governor Samuel Ortom, alongside nine other first-class chiefs, marking the establishment of their thrones.

A distinguished figure, Shuluwa had a notable career in public service, having served as the Federal Commissioner of Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC) and Chairman of the Governing Council of Federal College of Education, Yola in Adamawa State.

Furthermore, he held key positions in the Benue State Government, including Commissioner for Social Development, Youth and Sports (1988-1989), Chairman of Benue State Tractor Hiring Agency (BENTHA), Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Commissioner of the Ministry of Information and Culture.

Retiring from the civil service in 1991, the late Tor Sankera delved into active politics before eventually ascending to the throne in 2018. A distinguished scholar, Shuluwa graduated from Atlanta University and obtained an MSc in Social Planning and Administration. He was married to Chief (Mrs) Elizabeth Shuluwa.