Northern senators mourn two monarchs, hail contributions to peace

The Northern Senators Forum has mourned the deaths of the Emir of Gumel, Dr Ahmed Muhammad Sani, and the Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Bello Sulaiman, describing both monarchs as major losses to their traditional institutions and communities.

Sani died on September 3, 2026, while Sulaiman died on Monday, according to a condolence statement signed by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, chairman of the forum and representative for Katsina Central. The lawmakers said the two rulers used their positions to promote peace, unity and development beyond the traditional duties of their offices.

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The Northern Senators Forum received with deep sorrow and total submission to the will of Allah the news of the passing of two distinguished custodians of our traditional heritage.

The senators remembered Sani as a scholar and administrator who encouraged modern education and girl-child schooling. They said he promoted peaceful coexistence across social and ethnic lines and offered calm and just leadership during periods of tension. The forum also described him as a bridge-builder whose advice shaped a generation of leaders.

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He championed modern education, encouraged girl-child schooling, and provided calm, clear and just leadership during times of tension.

The lawmakers praised Sulaiman’s five-year reign in Zurmi for fostering peace, unity and resilience during serious security challenges in Zamfara State. They said his counsel and peace-building efforts extended beyond his emirate and contributed to broader efforts to restore stability in the North-West.

The forum said both monarchs would be remembered as respected custodians of culture, values and religion, as well as stabilising figures within the traditional institution.

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In the five years on the throne, he demonstrated exemplary courage and leadership, fostering peace, unity and resilience within the Zurmi Emirate.