The Executive Chairman of Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Dr Yahya Saidu, has died.
Saidu reportedly died in the early hours of Friday, October 9, 2026, less than three months after he was sworn in as council chairman on July 15.
His death makes him the second Fufore council chairman to die in office in less than two years. His predecessor, Alhaji Shuaibu Babas, died on April 23, 2025.
Saidu’s death has shocked residents of Fufore, who regarded him as a philanthropist and grassroots mobiliser with development plans he had only recently begun to pursue.
Reacting to the development, the member representing Fufore/Song Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Aliyu Boya Wakili, described the late chairman as a dedicated public servant whose contributions would be missed.
As of Saturday morning, the family had yet to announce burial arrangements.
The death of Babas in April 2025 had sparked controversy over the succession process in Fufore Local Government Area.
His deputy, Esther Audu, was not immediately sworn in following his death, prompting protests and public criticism over the delay.
Some residents questioned whether her gender or Christian faith had influenced the decision to withhold her inauguration.
Following about two weeks of protests and public outcry, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri eventually swore in Audu as the substantive council chairman.
