Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has mourned the death of the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Dr Ahmed Muhammad Sani II, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the Gumel Emirate, Jigawa State and Nigeria.
Namadi spoke through the Secretary to the Jigawa State Government, Bala Ibrahim, who announced the death while briefing journalists at his office in Dutse, the state capital, on Thursday evening.
The 16th Emir of Gumel reportedly died in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday after a brief illness while receiving medical treatment. He was 82.
Confirming the death, the SSG said the state government received the news with shock.
“It is with profound sadness and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah that the Jigawa State Government announces the passing of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Muhammad Sani II, CON, who died this morning in Egypt,” Ibrahim said.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Namadi, the SSG described the late monarch as a father and a pillar of unity who devoted decades to the service of his people.
“The late Emir was a highly respected traditional ruler who dedicated 45 years of his life to the service of his people, promoting peace, education, and development in Gumel Emirate and Jigawa State at large,” he said.
Ibrahim said the Namadi administration shared in the grief of the Gumel Emirate and the people of Jigawa State.
“The government extends its heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the Gumel Emirate Council, and the people of Jigawa State.
“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus,” the SSG said.
He added that burial arrangements would be announced in due course.
Born on December 12, 1942, the late Emir was one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in Northern Nigeria.
He ascended the throne on December 16, 1980, after the death of his father, Alhaji Muhammad Sani. He later received his staff of office in May 1981 from the then Governor of old Kano State, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi.
Before becoming Emir, Ahmed Sani II had built a career in public service. His early education took place at Gumel Primary School, Hadejia Middle School and Rumfa College, Kano, before he obtained a Diploma and Higher Diploma in Public Administration from the Institute of Administration, Zaria.
He later studied Political Science and International Relations at Ohio University, Athens, in the United States, graduating in 1978.
The late monarch also worked with the Gumel Native Authority and the Immigration Department before serving as Commissioner for Information, Internal Affairs and Culture in old Kano State.
During his tenure as commissioner, he established Triumph Newspaper and CTV 67.
