By Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has described the late Esu Chikun, Danjuma Barde as a traditional leader who promoted peace, embraced the diversity that development and modernity brought to his chiefdom.

Barde, a first-class traditional ruler, died at the 44 Army Reference Hospital Kaduna on Tuesday. He was 90.

Governor El-Rufai, in a condolence message to  the Chikun Traditional Council and the family of the late Barde said Barde was “a peacemaker who did not flinch from the challenges of modernity but  fully embraced the possibilities of diversity.

El-Rufai said Barde was courageous and outspoken, but always in the interest of peace, unity and progress.

In a related development, the Speaker of Kaduna State House of Assembly Alhaji Yusuf Zailani has described the late Etsu Chikun as an exemplary leader.

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Alhaji Zailani expressed sadness over the demise of Danjuma Barde, the Etsu Chikun of Kaduna, who was popularly known as (SA Gbagyi).

Zailani expressed his condolences in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Ibrahim Danfulani, and made available to reporters on Wednesday in Kaduna.

“I am deeply saddened by the demise of the Etsu Chikun, who provided exemplary leadership and worked with dedication, to promote integration among the diverse population of the chiefdom,” Zailani said.

The Speaker also visited the late Etsu’s palace and consoled the traditional council, his family, friends, the government and people of Kaduna State.

He said the elevation of Barde to the first-class status was announced in November 2018, in recognition of his contributions to peace and harmony in the state.

The Speaker prayed for the repose of his soul and that the Lord should grant him eternal rest,” he said.