President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Sani II, describing his passing as the end of a remarkable era.
Sani, 83, died on Thursday in Cairo after nearly 46 years on the throne.
The President, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday in Abuja, condoled with the late emir’s family, the Gumel Emirate Council, the Jigawa State Government and people, as well as the traditional institution across Nigeria.
Tinubu described Sani as one of Nigeria’s longest-serving and most respected first-class traditional rulers.
He noted that the late emir ascended the throne on Dec. 16, 1980, and served as a distinguished custodian of the Gumel Emirate for nearly five decades.
The President also praised Sani’s contributions outside the traditional institution, describing him as a scholar, administrator and statesman.
Before becoming emir, Sani served with the Gumel Native Authority, the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Kazaure Divisional Office.
Tinubu recalled that the late traditional ruler served as Commissioner for Information, Internal Affairs and Culture in the old Kano State between 1978 and 1980.
He also credited him with playing key roles in the establishment of The Triumph newspaper and CTV 67, now ARTV, as well as the expansion of Radio Kano.
“As Emir, Alhaji Sani II transformed Gumel into a model of peace and development. He was a father to all and a beacon of wisdom,” Tinubu said.
The President said the late emir devoted his long reign to promoting education, Islamic scholarship, unity among diverse communities and the preservation of Gumel’s cultural heritage.
“In Jigawa, his calm, conservative and inclusive leadership provided stability through decades of political and security transitions, while he remained an unfailing partner for peace-building and community development,” he said.
Tinubu noted that Sani consistently prioritised the welfare of his people, earning widespread respect within Jigawa State and beyond.
“Nigeria has lost a towering traditional leader whose wise counsel will be sorely missed at a time when the nation continues to draw on traditional institutions to strengthen national cohesion,” the President said.
Tinubu prayed for Allah’s forgiveness for the late emir, acceptance of his good deeds and his eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus.
He also prayed for the royal family, the Gumel Emirate and the people of Jigawa State to receive the strength to bear the loss.
