From John Adams, Minna

Controversial Islamic cleric, Mohammed Bello Abubakar  Masaba, who married over 86 wives during his life time was buried, yesterday,  in Bida, headquarters of Bida Local Government Area of Niger State.

Masaba, 93,  died on Saturday in his Bida residence, after a brief illness.

The funeral prayer was led by Chief Imam of Nma Iyaoo Central Mosque, Kotaworo Area,   Sheikh Mohammed Gadangi .

Nupe Kingdom was represented by Alhaji Abdulmalik Ndayako and Alhaji Usman Ilata, the Shaba and Kotun Nupe  respectively as well as District heads and traditional title holders.

The lawmaker representing Lavun Local Government State Constituency, at the House of Assembly,  Alhaji Isa Wake, councillors,  politicians and business men were also in attendance.

One of Masaba’s children, Mahmood, described his late father as “a true Muslim who worked towards promoting Islam in Bida and beyond throughout his life.

” My father made us adherents of the principle of justice as enshrined in our religion” he said.

Seceretary to the late Islamic cleric, Malam Ishak Yahaya Bello  said: “Baba warned us never to associate Allah with any evil thing but pray and abide by the teachings of the Holy Prophet Mohammed.”

Personal Assistant to the late nonagenarian, Alhaji Mohammed Tahir also added that, “he was a godly man. Everybody in this town knows we have lost a very important person who left behind a legacy that all should emulate.

“He was a man of his words; he told us to surrender to the will of Almighty Allah and not to associate Allah with any other thing. ”

Tahir dismissed media reports that Masaba slumped twice before being taken to the hospital.

A resident of Masaba’s palace, Alhaji Nma Magana, also described Masaba as a dedicated Muslim who promoted Islam in Nupe kingdom.

“He was a philanthropist, humble and committed to the preaching of Islam.

” Late Mohammed Masaba, never in his life, sought any medical attention in hospital. He did not use Western medicine either for himself or his followers.

“He believed in divine medication from Almighty Allah.”