Vice President Kashim Shettima has mourned the death of the Emir of Gumel, HRH Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Muhammad Sani II, CON, describing the late monarch as a wise leader whose passing is a profound loss to Nigeria and the traditional institution.
Shettima spoke on Friday in Jigawa State during a condolence visit to the royal family, where he conveyed the sympathies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to the Gumel Emirate Council, Governor Umar Namadi, the government and people of Jigawa 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 monarch would be remembered for the length of his reign, as well as the stability, wisdom and sense of duty with which he served his people.
“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 described the late Emir as part of a distinguished generation of traditional leaders who understood their responsibility beyond the confines of the palace.
“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,” Shettima said.
According to him, the late monarch’s death had deprived the nation of a repository of history, experience and institutional memory.
“His passing has taken from us a repository of history, experience and institutional memory,” he added.
The Vice President noted that the late Emir’s reign spanned decades of significant political and social changes in Nigeria, yet he remained committed to promoting peace, education, Islamic scholarship and harmonious coexistence among his people.
Shettima said President Tinubu held the late monarch in high regard, particularly for his contributions to peacebuilding and community development.
He stressed that traditional institutions remained important partners of government in promoting national unity, peace and stability.
The Vice President extended the Federal Government’s condolences to the royal family and the people of Gumel Emirate.
“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, I extend our profound condolences to the royal family, the Gumel Emirate Council, the government and people of Jigawa State,” he said.
Shettima also prayed for the repose of the late monarch’s soul and for strength for his family and the people of Jigawa State to bear the loss.
“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannah Firdaus. May Allah also grant his family, the Emirate and the people of Jigawa State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the Vice President prayed.