American actor of Nigerian heritage, Obi Ndefo has died at the age of 51 years after losing both legs in a hit-and-run crash.

The cause of the actor’s death is unknown, but his sister and co-stars confirmed his passing on social media.

‘Heartbroken at the loss of my younger brother and knowing he’s finally at peace,’ his sister Nkem Ndefo wrote on Facebook.

Ndefo, who is a graduate of Yale, appeared in Dawson’s Creek between 1998 and 2002, where he played Katie Holmes’ character’s brother-in-law Bodie Wells. He additionally starred in Stargate SG-1 between 2000 and 2005.

The actor, who was born in Los Angeles to Nigerian parents has also featured in episodes of The West Wing, NYPD Blue, Crossing Jordan, and The District.

Actor Obi Ndefo d!es at 51, years after losing both legs in hit-and-run�crash

Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson’s mom Gale Leery on the show, dedicated an Instagram post to Ndefo.

‘These words don’t come easy,’ she said. ‘It’s hard for me to conceive that you have left us, my dear friend. You always were and always will be a bright shining light. What an example of pure unfiltered love and tenacity you set as you faced life’s challenges of recent.

‘I will cherish all of our messages of love and support to each other over the past few years. Rest in peace sweet warrior.’

Obi’s death comes after he lost both of his legs after being hit by a car on Aug. 17, 2019.

The actor had been packing up groceries in his parked car after visiting a supermarket in L.A. when an SUV veered out of its lane and crashed into him, severing his right leg and leaving his left leg severely injured and attached only by his skin, per the Los Angeles Times. Obi ended up having his left leg amputated.

Speaking about life after the incident, Obi told the Los Angeles Times, “How do you know how you would handle this? … And anyway, what’s the alternative? … This is just so horrendous what happened to me, why would I compound this by feeling bad about it?”

“… There is no other choice for me. So there’s a sort of rigour to me, and I think, ‘OK my legs are severed. I don’t know how to do this, but I know how to do this.’ ”

Bill Gates, the Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has said that Nigeria has the second highest rate of food insecurity in the world.

He added that arable lands have disappeared due to climate change. As a result, prices of food have skyrocketed.

Speaking in an interview with Lara Adejoro, Gates said: “Nigeria today has the second highest rate of food insecurity on earth, and climate change is only accelerating the problem.

“Arable land has disappeared. Pests have wiped out harvests. And prices for staple foods have soared.

“Climate-related losses on many African farms are more than double those seen globally. The poorest farmers are the ones hit hardest, having to cope with more droughts, pests, and diseases, which in turn exacerbate food shortages, and push up food prices.”

He added: “By 2050, climate change will condemn nearly 40 million more children to stunting—in addition to the 400 million children who already aren’t getting enough nutrients.”

He said his foundation has been working with the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation to better understand the climate-induced hunger crisis.

“The good news is that the pace of innovation is accelerating just as quickly as climate change,” he said. “Our vision is an agricultural transformation led by smallholder farmers, who have the knowledge, tools, and technologies to improve their livelihoods.”

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents looted and set ablaze shops and houses in Mafa village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe.

DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, the Yobe police command spokesman, made this known to journalists in Damaturu on Monday.

”We are yet to ascertain the number of lives lost in the incident, which occurred at about 4 p.m. on Sunday in the remote village.

”The incident was reported to the Tarmuwa Divisional Police Station by Babagana Goni and Bako Ibrahim, both residents of Mafa.

”Suspected Boko Haram terrorists armed with rifles and RPGs attacked Mafa ward on more than 50 motorcycles and set ablaze many shops and houses.

“The terrorists also killed many people, but we are yet to ascertain the actual number of the casualties,” the spokesman said.

He said that the gunmen also dropped some fliers with Arabic inscriptions.

On Friday, terrorists also attacked a private school in neighbouring Geidam, killing three students and injuring one.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has directed its members to resume work on Monday ( today) following a seven-day nationwide warning strike embarked upon by its members over the abduction of their colleague, Dr Ganiyat Popoola.

Popoola was kidnapped eight months ago.

NARD, however, said it would review the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving its demand in the next three weeks.

NARD began a seven-day warning strike last Monday to press for the rescue of Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna.

She was abducted on December 27, 2023, along with her husband and nephew.

While her husband was released in March, Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity.

The Federal Government, on Thursday, said it would invoke the ‘no work, no pay’ policy for the striking resident doctors.

But the doctors said they were unmoved by the threat.

Speaking with our correspondent on Sunday, the NARD President, Dr Dele Abdullahi, said, “We are suspending the strike now. We will be meeting to review the progress the government has made in the next three weeks.

“We are resuming on Monday, September 2, 2024, at 8 am. The engagement of the government has been a little bit better. But, we are hopeful that they will sustain this current line of action.”

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has called for the swift investigation of the Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) scam.

Falana made this call during Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, saying there is no better time to probe petrol scam than now.

“It is high time the importation scam was investigated. I am not talking of the joke that is going on in the National Assembly. The media must help civil society organisations to expose the fraud,” he said.

There have been reports that a $6 billion debt the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) owes petrol suppliers has worsened petrol scarcity in Nigeria.

The NNPCL on Sunday finally admitted the company’s significant debt to petrol suppliers, saying it posed a threat to the sustainability of fuel supply.

“Once the government begins to speak about affordability and sustainability in response to growing queues at filling stations, there are problems,” Falana stated.

According to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, there is no full disclosure on the part of the government on subsidy on petrol, adding that Nigeria can’t spend “$2.9bn to fix the refineries” yet the dates for the resumption of production at the refineries have been constantly shifted.

The legal luminary threatened to sue those responsible for the fixing of state-owned refineries should they announce another postponement.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, had said the landing cost per litre of petrol has made it impossible for petrol marketers to import the essential commodity as was done by the NNPCL.

Mariam Bolaji of Nigeria early on Sunday in Paris advanced to the semi-finals in the para-badminton competition at the ongoing 2024 Paralympics Olympic Games in Paris.

Bolaji beat Mandeep Kaur of India 21-8 21-9 in their quarter-final encounter in the women’s singles SL3 event.

She will face Xiao Zuxian of China in the semi-finals later on Sunday afternoon for a place in the final.

Bolaji on Thursday in the group play stage beat Kaur 21-8 21-14 in a Group B match, while she followed that up with another group win on Friday.

She had beaten Celine Vinot of Australia 21-8 21-14 also to win the group and head into the last eight stage.

The state visit of President Bola Tinubu to China will culminate in the strengthening of bilateral relations between China and Nigeria.

Director, Economic, Trade and Investment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bolaji Akinremi, made this known during an interview on Sunday.

Mr Akinremi spoke against the backdrop of the arrival of Mr Tinubu in Beijing, China.

He described the President’s visit as a significant milestone, which would mark a new chapter in the longstanding cooperation between Nigeria and China.

According to him, the visit is a multi-sectoral one aimed at strengthening economic, political, and cultural ties between the two nations.

“Essentially, Mr President is here on a state visit. The government of China is honouring Mr President with an official visit at this time. It is in recognition of Nigeria as the number one country in Africa. This is a multi-sectoral visit for Mr President,” he said.

Mr Akinremi recalled that Nigeria and China had enjoyed a robust relationship spanning over 50 years, with Nigeria being China’s number one trading partner in Africa.

He explained that the presence of high-level Nigerian government functionaries, himself inclusive, was an indication that the visit meant a lot to Nigeria.

“The visit has already seen the participation of several Nigerian ministers. These include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, alongside some governors and business leaders. As Mr President embarks on this historic visit, Nigeria and China are poised to take their relationship to new heights, building on the foundation laid over five decades ago. The comprehensive strategic partnership is a testament to the shared vision of both nations to promote economic growth, development, and cooperation,” the diplomat said.

Mr Akinremi, a former spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, further explained that there were several Memoranda of Understanding to be signed during the visit.

He stated, “Mr President will also receive a huge delegation from China’s tech firm, Huawei, and China Railway, which signifies the commitment of both nations to deepen their cooperation. The visit coincides with the China-Africa Cooperation Forum where Nigeria is participating, alongside other African nations. The FOCAC is a crucial platform for strengthening economic, political, and cultural ties between China and African nations. Established in 2000, FOCAC has become a significant mechanism for a win-win cooperation for China and African countries.’’

He expressed confidence that the President’s visit was expected to yield significant benefits for Nigeria, including investments in infrastructure, technology, and economic development.

“The comprehensive strategic partnership between Nigeria and China will focus on key areas, such as infrastructure development, trade, and economic cooperation,” he said.

The President’s itinerary includes a meeting with China’s President, Xi Jinping, and discussions on cooperation between the two nations.

Meanwhile, Mr Tinubu’s spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, earlier said that the President would also hold discussions with the Chinese business community on investment and trade.

“On the sidelines of the FOCAC, Mr President will also hold meetings with Chinese business leaders to promote investment and trade between Nigeria and China,” Mr Ngelale said in a statement before the trip.

President Bola Tinubu has arrived the Republic of China ahead of his state visit.

Tinubu’s presidential aircraft arrived at Beijing’s Capital International Airport on Sunday 19:12 China time.

On Thursday, Tinubu departed Abuja for Beijing, China for an official visit.

A statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said Tinubu would have a brief layover in the United Arab Emirates.

While in China, the Nigerian president would meet with President Xi Jumping and the Chinese business leaders.

He would also attend the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

“In China, the president will meet with President Xi Jinping and hold meetings with Chinese business leaders on the sidelines of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

“President Tinubu will be accompanied by senior government officials on the trip,” said Ngelale.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has appointed Alhaji Haruna Yunusa Ɗanyaya as the 17th Emir of Ningi.

Alhaji Haruna, who now holds a 1st Class status, is the eldest son of the late Emir of Ningi, Yunusa Muhammad Ɗanyaya, who passed away about a week ago.

The appointment was announced on Sunday through a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, in Bauchi.

Born in Ningi in 1956, Alhaji Haruna Yunusa Ɗanyaya previously served as the Chiroman Ningi. He is married with children.

The statement noted that Governor Mohammed made the appointment in accordance with the powers granted to him under Cap. 24 Item 3(1) of the Bauchi State laws on the Appointment of Emirs and Chiefs, following the recommendation of the kingmakers.

“The Bauchi State Government expresses its confidence in the new Emir’s ability to uphold the legacy of his late father in fostering unity, peace, and development in the Ningi Emirate and Bauchi State as a whole,” the statement read.

Governor Mohammed also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting traditional institutions, recognizing their vital role in maintaining peace and progress within the state.

The Federal Government has directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle and other military chiefs to move to Sokoto State to rid the North-West of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

The Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, disclosed this in a statement.

The government said that the directive is part of an intensified effort to rid the North West of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

The federal government expressed sadness over the activities of terrorists and bandits in the states and its environs, explaining that the strategic move underscored the unwavering commitment of government to restoring peace and security in the region.

According to the statement, while in the North West, they would supervise operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his Bandits gang were flushed out.

“These criminal bandits have been circulating videos of a Nigerian military Armoured vehicle that was stuck in a water logged area.

And late in the night the officers were asked to withdraw to avoid being ambushed by bandits, later in the night the bandits went to the water logged area, recording video of the Armoured vehicle that was stuck and celebrating it.

“This incident happened in kwashabawa, Zurmi Local Government Area in Zamfara.

“This is not acceptable as President Bola Tinubu has been giving great support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“The Federal Government is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West particularly.

“And so we are ready to deploy all necessary assets to ensure that these criminal elements are flushed out and peace is restored to our communities,” the statement said.

The government said that there was the urgent need to move against the terrorists to enable people to move freely.

It further assured the people of Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara and Kebbi states and the entire North West region that the security forces would leave no stone unturned in flushing out the bandits.

Sesi Whingah, the lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency in the House of Representatives, has assured his constituents that Nigerian borders will soon be opened for commercial activities.

Mr Whingah gave the assurance during a Badagry Stakeholders and Youth Engagement organised by his office on Saturday.

The engagement had the theme: “Charting A Prosperous Future for Badagry: Unlocking Potential, Empowering People, and Accelerating Progress”.

According to the lawmaker, the government is trying to see how they can mop up revenue internally.

“This is a policy that we believe needs to be done and will lead to good.

“The current administration will soon open borders for commercial activities; I know it is affecting us and our incomes. I know what my constituents are going through,” he said.

On the issue of electrification of some parts of Badagry communities, he assured that staff of Rural Electrification would come in and attend to that in next few days.

On roadblocks, Mr Whingah said that no development would come to Badagry because of multiple checkpoints along the Lagos Badagry expressway.

“I have spoken against multiple checkpoints on the floor of the House.

“I doubt if we can achieve any development if we have people stopping and discouraging tourists and investors from coming to this corridor.

“You cannot go through the stress of these multiple checkpoints as a tourist and you would want to come back to this place.

“The security agencies need to start looking at using technology to address this. A single drone can secure and monitor this axis,” he said.

On his achievements in office, he said he had secured employment for 30 youths in Badagry in federal agencies.

“Again, we are trying to bring in 40 pensionable jobs for our deserving youths of Badagry.

“Furthermore, our NIN registration centre in Badagry has registered more than 70,000 individuals in Badagry as of today.

“This is a critical step in ensuring that our people are accounted for in the national database and can access full benefits of citizenship,” he said.

Mr Whingah said that he had engaged with his colleague in Lagos House of Assembly to meet Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to help in fixing Mowo-Ikoga road.

“I can assure you that contractors will begin work on the road in the few weeks to come. Though it is a Federal road, Lagos state has agreed to help us to fix it.

“Also, on the uncompleted Gbaji-Owode-Apa expressway, the federal government is considering re-awarding it, this time, concrete road.

“This will be captured in the new budget of 2025,” he said.

In his keynote address, Prof, Henry Hunjo, a lecturer at the Lagos State University (LASU), highlighted the achievements of Mr Whingah, emphasising their positive impact on Badagry.

He addressed the region’s pressing challenges, adding that there was need to develop Badagry beyond the present status quo.

“We must begin to address challenges such as environmental issues and infrastructural deficits, including electricity,” he said.

There was a panel of professionals who deliberated the way forward for the coastal town of Badagry.

Setonji Koshoedo , the deputy bational secretary of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), proposed a collective approach to problem-solving, which he termed a “Solution Revolution.”

“Let’s come together with our individual contributory solutions to solve our community problems,” he said.

Gbenu Mathew, a political commentator, canvassed for the need to unlock Badagry’s dormant potential through collaboration among political leaders.

“There are potentials, but they remain untapped; this can be done through the collaboration of our political leaders.”

Dr Busola Odedina, the sole female panellist, called for greater inclusion of women in leadership roles within the community.

She stressed the importance of gender equity in driving Badagry’s progress.

Bisiriyu Fanu, a former chairman of Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANCLA), Seme border, said government policy of fairly used vehicles had affected majority of the residents.

He urged the government to reintroduce the importation of fairly used vehicles through land border since the borders had been opened, adding that some of his members had died because of the policy.

The lawmaker awarded cash prizes, laptops, and other gifts to select individuals in recognition of outstanding contributions to Badagry.

Mr Whingah, announcing an ICT programme for 1,000 youths, tagged “Badagry Tech Talents 1,000 Programme” where youths will be trained, empowered and connected.

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have detained a man for allegedly pushing his 47-year-old younger brother to death.

The Command’s spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this on Saturday.

He said that the case was reported to the police on August 24 by a fellow whose name was not mentioned.

Hundeyin said the fellow reported that one Ayodeji Busari of Iba area in Lagos allegedly pushed his 47 years old younger brother, whose name was not mentioned.

According to the police image maker, the younger brother was said to have come from Port Harcourt to visit his friend in Lagos.

Hundeyin said that the suspect allegedly pushed his younger brother down and he hit his head on a pavement during a fight.

“The victim became unconscious and was rushed to Igando General Hospital for treatment, but was later confirmed dead by doctor on duty.

“The detectives visited the scene of incident and take photographs, the corpse removed and deposited at Mainland General Hospital Mortuary, Yaba for autopsy.

“The case file and suspect to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department Panti-Yaba for investigation,” he said.

Tragedy struck in the Makwarari quarters in the Kano metropolis on Friday when a one-storey building collapsed, killing a 35-year-old woman, Balarabe Tijjani and injuring two of her children.

It was gathered that the building collapsed following a downpour in the area which lasted for many hours from Thursday night through Friday morning.

According to a resident, the mother and her two children, Abdulnasir and Abdallah, aged 11 and 13, were rescued and rushed to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital but the mother succumbed to her injuries.

“After rescuing the victims from the debris, they were transported to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital. Unfortunately, Tijjani succumbed to her injuries while the children are currently receiving treatment,” the resident said.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Saturday, the Public Relations Officer of the State Fire Service, Saminu Abdullahi, said the one-storey building collapsed at about 9:30 am on Friday.

“Therefore, the building crushed three people, mother, Balaraba Abba about 35 years old and two children, Abdulnasir Jilani about 12 years old and Abdullahi Jilani about 9 years old.

“With the effort of the people around the area all victims were rescued alive and taken to Murtala Muhammad hospital on the arrival of the brigade,” Abdullahi said.

Lagos State Police Command has arrested two men for allegedly robbing three commercial sex workers.

The Command’s Spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday.

Hundeyin said the suspects allegedly picked the victims on August 23, 2024, around 4:30 pm from Adeniran Ogunsanya Street in Bode Thomas, seeking their services.

According to him, the suspects, pretending to drive the sex workers to a location where they falsely claimed to be staying, abruptly stopped the vehicle midway, leaving the victims in shock.

“The commercial sex workers were picked up at Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, Bode Thomas, Surulere by the two suspects.

“They were taken to where they claimed the (suspects) lodged. Suddenly, the suspects parked and ordered them to surrender their valuables.

“In the process, two Iphone valued at N1.05 million, one REDMI Note 12 valued at N140,000, Iphone SR valued at N240,000 were collected from them.

“The suspects also compelled the victims to transfer ₦25,OOO to an Opay Account and N8, 000 to same account,” he said.

The police spokesperson said that during investigation, the suspects confessed to the crime.

He disclosed that the suspects operational vehicle, a Toyota Camry with Reg. No. APP335 JA, two other blank number plates they were using for their operation were recovered.

Hundeyin said that one of the victim’s cell phone, REDMI NOTE 12, was also recovered from the suspects, while investigation was ongoing.

The Nigerian Army says troops have eliminated several terrorists during engagement with bandits in general areas of Kampani Doka and Rifigoro communities in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

In a statement on its social media platform, it said the troops also recovered a substantial number of dangerous automatic weapons and ammunition.

“The troops who conducted offensive operations into the terrorists’ stronghold near Kampanin Doka met strong resistance from the terrorists who opened fire upon sighting the troops.

“In a shootout that lasted for hours, the gallant troops subdued the criminal elements with superior fire power, thereby neutralizing 7 of the terrorists,” it said

According to the statement, the troops also recovered three AK-47 rifles, eight AK 47 magazines (four fully loaded with 120 rounds of 7.62mm Special), a magazine carrier, 6 motorcycles, three mobile phones, two Baofeng communication radios, and three pairs of civil clothes.

“The troops further projected offensives to Gayam village of the same Local Government Area, where a notorious insurgent leader was neutralized, while some of his accomplice fled with gunshot wounds, leaving behind their weapons and equipment.

“Among the items recovered by the troops were a PKT machine gun with eight rounds of ammunition, a Baofeng radio, multiple communication devices, one SMF magazine, and 14 mobile SIM cards,” it added.

The statement advised the public to continue supporting the relentless efforts of security forces, who are tirelessly working to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.

The arrested and detained EndBadGovernance protesters have demanded vacation of the orders of the Federal high court, Abuja, which permitted the Inspector General of Police to detain them for 60 days pending the conclusion of investigation.

In a motion on notice dated the 26th day of August, 2024, through a consortium of human rights lawyers led by foremost human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, they demanded that the order of the court be set aside, discharged and vacated outrightly for them to be set free.

The ex-parte order for their 60 days detention was made on the 22nd day of August, 2024 by Justice Emeka Nwite in a Suit with no: FHC/ABJ/CS/1233/2024 between the IGP and Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo & 48 others.

The 49 protesters clamped into police custody on detention maintained that neither the IGP nor President Bola Tinubu have right to arrest them on account of exercising their fundamental rights to object to policy of government exposing them to hardships.

They cited several protests in the past led by Tinubu without any harassment, molestation, arrest or detention insisting that Tinubu is the biggest beneficiary of protests and dissent in the country.

In an affidavit in support of their motion deposed to by one Paul Ochayi, the protesters maintained that protest is a right and that President Tinubu had led protests in the past without being harassed, detained or remanded.

They also challenged the remand orders on the ground that Justice Nwite who issued them had no jurisdiction to grant the ex-parte order he made pursuant to section 299 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

Meanwhile, no date has yet been fixed for hearing of the motion by the court.

It has however been served on the Inspector General of Police for his response as required by law.

The king of New Zealand’s Indigenous Maori people died Friday while recovering from heart surgery at age 69, with aides saying he had “passed to the great beyond”.

King Tuheitia passed away peacefully surrounded by family, a spokesperson said, just days after celebrating the 18th anniversary of his coronation.

He had been in hospital recovering from heart surgery.

“The death of King Tuheitia is a moment of great sadness,” the spokesperson added in a statement. “A chief who has passed to the great beyond. Rest in love.”

The Kiingitanga — Maori King movement — was founded in 1858 to unite New Zealand’s Indigenous Maori under a single sovereign.

The position has significant political and symbolic weight but carries no legal status.

New Zealand’s Maori currently make up about 17 per cent of the population or about 900,000 people.

King Charles III, New Zealand’s formal head of state, said he was “shocked” by the news, having recently spoken to King Tuheitia by phone.

“My wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the death of Kiingi Tuheitia,” the king said in a statement.

“I had the greatest pleasure of knowing Kiingi Tuheitia for decades.

“He was deeply committed to forging a strong future for Maori and Aotearoa-New Zealand founded upon culture, traditions and healing, which he carried out with wisdom and compassion,” he said, using the country’s Maori and English-language names.

The UK monarch said he remembered with “immense fondness” his meetings with King Tuheitia in New Zealand in 2015 and at Buckingham Palace last year.

New Zealand Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon led the tributes from the Pacific nation as flags on government and public buildings were flown at half-mast.

“Today, we mourn,” Luxon said in a statement from Tonga, where he is attending the Pacific Islands Forum.

“His unwavering commitment to his people and his tireless efforts to uphold the values and traditions of the Kiingitanga have left an indelible mark on our nation.

“I will remember his dedication to Aotearoa New Zealand, his commitment to mokopuna (young people), his passion for te ao Maori (customs), and his vision for a future where all people are treated with dignity and respect.”

Tuheitia was the seventh Kiingitanga monarch. In 2006, he succeeded his mother, Queen Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, who held the position for four decades.

The Maori monarch has been a powerful voice in New Zealand politics, particularly on issues stemming from the country’s colonial past.

The arrival of Europeans to New Zealand in 1642 brought colonisation, anti-Maori discrimination and pitched warfare that was eventually stopped through the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi.

The treaty, signed between the British and hundreds of Maori chiefs, is seen as the founding document of New Zealand and established British control over the country.

But it also granted the Maori the same rights as British subjects and authority over “taonga” or treasures that can be intangible.

In March, Tuheitia made an impassioned call for whales to be granted the same legal rights as people, in a bid to protect the hallowed yet vulnerable species.

He wanted the mammals to have inherent rights, such as having a healthy environment, to allow the restoration of their populations.

Former Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern praised the late Indigenous king in a post on Instagram.

“You have been an advocate for Maori, for fairness, justice and prosperity. You wanted children, young people, and those who have been left behind to have opportunities and hope.

“You worked tirelessly on building understanding and knowledge of our shared history and in doing so, strengthening Aotearoa. And amongst all of that, you made everyone feel welcome — including me. Rest easy now.”