VP Shettima: Emir of Gumel’s Death, Huge Loss to Our Nation

VP Shettima: Emir of Gumel’s Death, Huge Loss to Our Nation

***Says late monarch devoted decades to peace, education, community development

Vice President Kashim Shettima described the death of the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad Sani II, as a profound loss to Jigawa State and Nigeria.

He stated that the late monarch represented a generation of traditional rulers whose influence extended beyond the palace to peacebuilding, education, community development, and national cohesion.

The Vice President, who spoke on Friday in Jigawa State while on a condolence visit, conveyed the sympathies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to the royal family, the Gumel Emirate Council, Governor Umar Namadi, the government and people of Jigawa State over the passing of the 16th Emir of Gumel.

The royal father passed away in Cairo, Egypt, on September 3, 2026, after a nearly 46-year reign that began when he ascended the throne on December 16, 1980.

Speaking during the condolence visit, VP Shettima said the late Emir would be remembered for the length of his reign, and for 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.

“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,” he said.

Senator Shettima noted that the Late Emir’s reign spanned decades of major political and social change in Nigeria, yet he remained committed to peace, education, Islamic scholarship and harmonious coexistence among his people.

He added that President Tinubu held the late monarch in high esteem, particularly for his contributions to peacebuilding and community development, noting that the Federal Government continues to regard traditional institutions as critical partners in strengthening national unity and stability.

“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.

“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.