One-time Nigerian Ambassador to United States, Dr Yusuf Maitama Sule, is dead. The elder statesman, regarded as one of the greatest orators ever produced by Nigeria, died on Monday morning in a hospital in Cairo, Egypt.

A statement signed by the head of the family, Alhaji Sani Adamu said late Maitama was flown to Cairo two days ago. He said the remains of the former Ambassador would be brought to Kano either today or tomorrow (Tuesday).

Recall that in March 2013 he was rumoured dead. An acclaimed orator and diplomat. In 1976, he became the Federal Commissioner of public complaints, a position that made him the nation’s pioneer Ombudsman. In early 1979, he was a presidential candidate of the National Party of Nigeria but lost to Shehu Shagari. He was appointed Nigeria’s representative to the United Nations after the coming of civilian rule in September 1979. While there he was chairman of the United Nations Special Committee against Apartheid.

After, the re-election of President Shagari in 1983, Maitama Sule was made the Minister for National Guidance, a portfolio designed to assist the president in tackling corruption.