The Emir of Gumel in Jigawa State, Alhaji Dr Ahmed Muhammad Sani II, CON, has died at the age of 83.
The revered monarch reportedly died on Thursday, September 3, 2026, in Cairo, Egypt, while receiving medical treatment.
The Jigawa State Government confirmed his death, prompting condolences from prominent Nigerians.
Born on December 12, 1942, Ahmed Muhammad Sani II became Gumel’s 16th emir after succeeding his father in December 1980. Based on these dates, he was 83 at the time of his death and had spent nearly 46 years on the throne, making him one of Northern Nigeria’s longest-serving traditional rulers.
Before his accession, he served with the Nigeria Immigration Service and held several public positions, including Commissioner for Information, Internal Affairs and Culture in the old Kano State.
He also contributed to the development of the former Kano State media sector through the establishment of The Triumph newspaper and CTV67 television station, now known as ARTV, as well as the expansion of Radio Kano.
During his reign, the late emir was regarded as a respected leader who promoted peace, education, unity and community development in the Gumel Emirate.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu mourned his death, describing it as the end of a remarkable era. He commended the monarch’s contributions to peace and development in Gumel and prayed for the repose of his soul.
Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, described the late emir as a distinguished scholar, a beacon of wisdom and a father to all.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the Jigawa State Government and the Gumel Emirate Council.
His death is expected to prompt widespread mourning across Gumel, Jigawa State and the wider Northern Nigerian traditional institution.
