Shettima mourns Emir of Gumel, hails late monarch’s role in peacebuilding

Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the death of the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Dr Ahmed Muhammad Sani II, as a major loss to Jigawa State, Nigeria and the traditional institution.

Shettima spoke on Friday during a condolence visit to Jigawa State, where he conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s condolences to the late monarch’s family, the Gumel Emirate Council, Governor Umar Namadi and the people of the state.

The 16th Emir of Gumel died in Cairo, Egypt, on September 3, 2026, after nearly 46 years on the throne. He ascended the throne on December 16, 1980.

Shettima said the late emir would be remembered not only for the length of his reign but also for his contributions to peace, education, Islamic scholarship, community development and peaceful coexistence.

“His Royal Highness was more than a traditional ruler. He was a father, a bridge-builder and a stabilising voice whose wisdom served his people and the nation for almost half a century,” the vice president said.

He added that the late monarch belonged to a generation of traditional rulers who understood their role as custodians of peace, unity and counsel.

“His passing has taken from us a repository of history, experience and institutional memory,” Shettima said.

According to him, the emir’s reign spanned several decades of significant political and social changes in Nigeria, during which he remained committed to the development and stability of his community.

Shettima said President Tinubu held the late monarch in high regard, particularly for his contributions to peacebuilding and community development.