President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the Emir of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Justice Sidi Dauda Bage Muhammad I, on the occasion of his 70th birthday, describing him as an exceptional jurist and a revered traditional ruler whose service to the nation has been marked by excellence.
In a statement issued by the State House on Monday, the President congratulated the monarch, who is also the Chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, as he celebrated his platinum jubilee on June 22, 2026.
He praised Justice Bage’s distinguished career in the judiciary, noting that he served as a Judge of the High Court, rose to the Court of Appeal and eventually became a Justice of the Supreme Court before ascending the throne of his forefathers as the 17th Emir of Lafia.
According to Tinubu, the monarch’s reign, which entered its seventh year, has been remarkable for its achievements and has brought fresh ideas to the Lafia Emirate while fostering peace, justice and national unity.
“Your ascension to the throne of your forebears as the 17th Emir of Lafia on March 26, 2019, was historic in many respects,” the President stated.
He noted that the emir succeeded the late Dr. Isa Mustapha Agwai, one of Nigeria’s longest-serving traditional rulers who reigned for more than 44 years.
Tinubu further commended the emir’s commitment to interfaith harmony, education and community development in Nasarawa State, describing him as a monarch who has combined traditional leadership with religious responsibilities.
He also acknowledged Justice Bage’s role as Chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, saying he had helped foster harmony within the traditional institution in the state, across the North-Central geopolitical zone and beyond.
He noted that the emir also serves as the Grand Khalif of the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order in Nasarawa State, effectively balancing his traditional and religious obligations.
Expressing gratitude for the monarch’s support and friendship over the years, Tinubu prayed for more years of good health, wisdom and service for the emir.
“As you mark your seventh year on the throne and celebrate your platinum birthday, I pray that Almighty Allah will continue to grant Your Royal Highness many more years of good health, wisdom, and service to the people of Lafia and beyond,” the President said.
Justice Sidi Dauda Bage Muhammad I was installed as the 17th Emir of Lafia on March 26, 2019, following a distinguished judicial career that culminated in his appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court.
