Kogi Mourns as Onogie of Afemai Lokoja, Alhaji Zakari Dangana, Dies at 86
The Afemai community in Lokoja and the wider Kogi State have been thrown into mourning following the death of the Onogie of Afemai Lokoja, Alhaji Zakari Dangana, who passed away at the age of 86.
The revered traditional ruler reportedly died in the early hours of Saturday, bringing to an end decades of service, leadership, and commitment to the welfare of the Afemai people in Lokoja and beyond.
Alhaji Dangana was installed as the Onogie of Afemai Lokoja in 2020 by the late Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV. During his reign, he was widely respected for promoting peace, unity, and harmonious coexistence among members of the Afemai community and other ethnic groups resident in the Kogi State capital.
Funeral prayers were scheduled to hold at the Lokoja Central Mosque before his remains would be conveyed to his hometown for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Reacting to the development, Chairman of the Afemai Progressive Union, Lokoja Chapter, Abu Micheal, described the monarch’s passing as a monumental loss to the Afemai people.
He said the late traditional ruler served as a father figure whose leadership brought stability, progress, and a stronger sense of unity among Afemai sons and daughters living in Lokoja.
According to him, the deceased monarch’s wisdom, humility, and dedication to community development earned him widespread admiration and respect throughout his reign.
Community leaders, associates, and well-wishers have continued to pay glowing tributes to the late royal father, describing him as a custodian of culture, a peacemaker, and a symbol of unity whose contributions will remain indelible in the history of the Afemai people.
Alhaji Zakari Dangana is survived by children, grandchildren, relatives, and a grieving community that remembers him for his service and devotion to humanity.
His passing marks the end of an era for the Afemai community in Lokoja and the traditional institution in Kogi State.
May Allah grant him Aljanah Firdaus and comfort his family and loved ones.