Shettima mourns Emir of Gumel, says death huge loss

Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has mourned the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad-Sani II, describing him as a stabilizing figure whose influence extended well beyond the palace.

Shettima conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s condolences during a visit to the royal family after the emir’s death in Cairo, Egypt, on Sept. 3, 2026. Muhammad-Sani was the 16th Emir of Gumel and had ruled for nearly 46 years after ascending the throne on Dec. 16, 1980.

Shettima said the monarch belonged to a generation of traditional rulers who contributed to peacebuilding, education, community development and national cohesion. He said the emir’s long reign spanned major political and social changes in Nigeria while maintaining a commitment to peace, Islamic scholarship and harmonious coexistence.

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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.

“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,” Shettima said. He added that the emir’s death had deprived the country of a repository of history, experience and institutional memory.

Shettima extended condolences to the royal family, the Gumel Emirate Council, the Jigawa State government and residents. He said the Federal Government continued to view traditional institutions as important partners in strengthening national unity and stability, and prayed for the late emir’s forgiveness and for comfort for his family and community.

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He belonged to that distinguished generation of traditional leaders who understood that the palace must remain a place of refuge, counsel and unity for all. His passing has taken from us a repository of history, experience and institutional memory.