Late Dr Idris was born on the 20th February, 1936 to his parents Malam Idris Auta and Hajiya Haminatu Auta. He was coronated as the 18th Emir of Zazzau on 8th February 1975 following the demise of Alhaji Muhammadu Aminu the 17th Emir.
The late emir until his death was the 18th Fulani Emir of Zazzau and the Chairman of Zazzau Emirate Council and Kaduna State Council of chiefs.
The late Dr Idris was born to the family of Malam Idrisu Auta who was sometimes called Auta Sambo and Hajiya Aminatu. Idrisu Auta’s father was Sarkin Zazzau Muhammadu Sambo who reigned from c. 1879 to 1888 and Auta’s grandfather was Sarkin Zazzau Abdulkarimi who reigned from c. 1834 – 1846.
Idris started his education career being tutored by two Islamic scholars in Zaria and then continued with formal studies at the Zaria Elementary School. He was at the elementary school from 1947 till 1950, during this period, the young Idris lost his father when he was 12 years old. Idris continued both his qur’anic and formal education and enrolled in the Zaria Middle School in 1950 and finished studies in 1955. He then attended Katsina Training College to become a teacher.
In 1958, he was a teacher at a school in Hunkuyi and then taught at a few other schools in Zaria. Thereafter, he left teaching. In the 1960s, he was a private secretary to Sarkin Zazzau, Muhammadu Aminu, he was also appointed as the secretary to the Zaria Native Authority council in 1965. In 1973, he was bestowed with the title of ‘Dan Madamin Zaria’ and was appointed the district head of Zaria and Kewaye.
Idris succeeded Sarki Aminu in 1975. On 10th January 2015, he celebrated his 40th year anniversary and on 8th February 2020, he celebrated his 45th year anniversary on the throne.
Meanwhile, Kaduna state governor Mallam Nasir el-Rufa’i has described the death of the late emir of Zazzau Alhaji Dr. Shwhu Idris as that of a rare gem, source of wisdom and guidance and a true father to all.
Governor el-Rufai who announced the death and burial of the late emir also disclosed that the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari was going to lead the federal government delegation for the burial which took place at the ancient city of Zaria.
According to the governor, while announcing the emir’s death, he said, “Very sad: It is with great sadness that I confirm the passing of the father of our state, His Highness Emir of Zazzau, Alh (Dr) Shehu Idris CFR. He died at the 44 Military Hospital Kaduna today (Sunday) after a brief illness. Janazah prayer in Zaria is scheduled for 5 pm insha’Allah.
“All Covid-19 protocols to be complied with as much as possible during the funeral prayers and condolences.
