By Abdulsalam Muhammad

KANO—influential Kano prince, and member of the Emirate Council, Alhaji Tijjani Hashim, 82, is dead.

Hashim, who held the traditional title of Galadiman Kano died in the early hours of yesterday in Abuja, where he had been waiting since last Friday to travel abroad for treatment.

His body was flown back to Kano, yesterday from Abuja, accompanied by Vice President, Namadi Sambo and other top dignitaries for burial at the Dandolo Cemetery in Kano metropolis.

The aircraft carrying his corpse arrived Kano through Malam Aminu Kano International Airport at about 1.32 pm, just as the news of his death triggered exodus from nooks and crannies of the state to the palace by residents, who wanted to catch a glimpse of the remains of a man known in the city and beyond for his philanthropy.

The Chief Imam of Kano, Professor Sani Zaharadeen led the prayers for the deceased at Kofar Kudu axis of the Emir’s palace

Those who attended the funeral prayers included Vice President Sambo, who led the Federal Government’s delegation; the state Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Lawal Kaita, Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sunusi II, the Emir of Ringim, Sayyadi Mahmud Ringim, members of both state and national assemblies, the business community and scores of thousands of other welwishers.

The late Galadiman who was the most influential member of the Emirate Council, and also godfather to so many influential people in the country, having worked as a private secretary to the late Premier of the defunct Northern Region, Ahmadu Bello.

Hashim was also, a cousin to the immediate past Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, and contributed immensely to the economic and empowerment of thousands of Kano people, whom he assisted to get employment opportunities in his life time. Left to mourn him are three wives and 13 children.