Abu Ali Mopa’s life, a model of service

The Etsu of Bass-Nge Kingdom in Kogi State, Abu Ali Mopa III, has been described as a leader known for humility, integrity and dedication, whose life was a model of service to the people of Bauchi and his community. Speaking about the late traditional leader, the governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, said Mopa left […]

The Etsu of Bass-Nge Kingdom in Kogi State, Abu Ali Mopa III, has been described as a leader known for humility, integrity and dedication, whose life was a model of service to the people of Bauchi and his community.

Speaking about the late traditional leader, the governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, said Mopa left a legacy of leadership that transcends his military career and political roles.

The governor recalled Brigadier-General Ali Mopa’s service to Bauchi State after he was appointed military administration by the General Ibrahim Babangida administration from September 1990 to January 1992.

“His tenure was marked by remarkable developmental initiatives and commitment to the welfare of our people. Under his administration, the Bauchi Township Water Project was commissioned, bringing vital water infrastructure to residents of the state capital.

“He played a pivotal role in consolidating the tomato processing company, helping to build local agro-industry. He also founded the Wikki Tourists Football Club, which has grown into a source of pride for our state.

“Beyond infrastructure and economic development, General Abu Ali showed strong leadership in times of crisis. In 1991 when ethno-religious unrest erupted in Tafawa Balewa and other communities, he acted decisively to restore peace, imposing a curfew and deploying security forces.

“His firm but thoughtful approach helped to stabilise the situation and prevented further escalation. He peacefully handed over to a democratically elected government in January 1992, demonstrating respect for democratic governance.

“After his military service, General Abu Ali continued serving his people and his heritage as the Etsu Bassa Nge, a first-class traditional ruler in Kogi State since the year 2000,” Governor Mohammed said.

Similarly, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State described the late Etsu as a father figure, stabilising force and pillar of support, whose leadership contributed immensely to peace, unity and development in Kogi and Nigeria.

In a tribute, the special adviser to Governor Ododo on community integration and harmonisation, Haruna Ganaja, noted that Ali Mopa’s contributions to his people and the entire Bassa Nge community were monumental.

Ali Mopa, who was born in 1945, died on November 24, 2025 at the age of 79. After his service in the army, capped with the position of a military administrator of  Bauchi State, he handed over to a democratically elected government in January 1992 and retired from the Nigerian Army in 1999.

His son, the late Lieutenant-Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali, was killed by Boko Haram fighters at Mallam Fatori, Borno State following an ambush of his convoy with four of his men on November 4, 2016.