The Emir of Gumel in Jigawa State, Alhaji Dr Ahmed Muhammad Sani II, has died at the age of 84 after a prolonged illness.
The monarch reportedly died on Thursday, September 3, 2026, while receiving medical treatment in Egypt. A palace source confirmed the death, saying further details about his burial arrangements would be announced by the palace.
His death has thrown the Gumel Emirate and the wider Jigawa State into mourning, with tributes expected from political leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents.
Ahmed Muhammad Sani II was one of northern Nigeria’s longest-serving traditional rulers. He ascended the throne in December 1980 following the death of his father and went on to spend more than four decades as the Emir of Gumel. Radio Nigeria reported that he served as the 20th Emir of Gumel and dedicated decades to the development of the emirate.
Before becoming emir, Sani had a notable career in public service and politics. He served as Commissioner for Information, Internal Affairs and Culture in the former Kano State Government between 1978 and 1980.
During his time as commissioner, he was associated with the establishment of The Triumph newspaper and CTV67, now known as ARTV. He also supervised the expansion of Radio Kano.
His political career was cut short when his father died in December 1980. He was subsequently selected to succeed him as Emir of Gumel, taking over the leadership of the historic emirate at a relatively young age.
Over the decades, Sani became an influential figure within Jigawa’s traditional institution and was recognised for his efforts to preserve the cultural heritage and traditions of the Gumel Emirate.
In December 2025, the emir marked 45 years on the throne, an indication of the exceptionally long period he spent leading the emirate.
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