North Loses 2 Emirs To Death In 4 Days
The Emir of Gumel in Jigawa State, Ahmed Muhammad-Sani, has died at the age of 85 in Egypt after a 46-year reign, following the demise of the Emir of Zurmi, Sarkin Zamfaran Zurmi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Bello Sulaiman, who died on Monday, five years after he ascended the throne.
An official statement said that the Emir of Gumel, Ahmed Muhammad-Sani, passed away on Thursday afternoon at a hospital in Egypt.
His death comes just four days after the passing of the Emir of Zurmi in Zamfara State, Bello Suleiman, who died on Monday at the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau.
THE EMIR OF GUMEL IN JIGAWA STATE, AHMED MUHAMMAD-SANI
Muhammad-Sani began his early education at Gumel Primary School (1948–1953) before proceeding to Hadejia Middle School (1953–1956). He completed his secondary education at Rumfa College (then Kano High School) in 1961.
He pursued higher education at the Institute of Administration in Zaria (now part of Ahmadu Bello University), where he earned a Diploma in Public Administration in 1963 and a Higher Diploma in 1970.
He later attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, United States, earning a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a postgraduate degree in International Relations between 1972 and 1978.
Muhammad-Sani began his career with the Gumel Native Authority (1961–1963). In 1964, he joined the Nigeria Immigration Service and was stationed in Gamboru Ngala, Borno State.
He later transitioned to public administration in 1972, serving as a senior government official at the Kazaure Divisional Office.
In 1978, he contested for a Senate seat under the platform of the Great Nigeria People’s Party (GNPP). Although his bid was unsuccessful, a subsequent political alliance between the GNPP and the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) led to his appointment as Commissioner for Information, Internal Affairs, and Culture in the old Kano State.
During his tenure as commissioner (1978–1980), he played a pivotal role in shaping the state’s media landscape.
He oversaw the establishment of The Triumph newspaper and CTV67 television station (now ARTV), as well as the expansion of Radio Kano.
His political career came to an unexpected end following the death of his father, the then-reigning Emir of Gumel, on December 13, 1980.
Three days later, on 16 December, 1980, Muhammad-Sani was selected to succeed his father, officially assuming the stool as the Emir of Gumel in the then old Kano State.
THE EMIR OF ZURMI, SARKIN ZAMFARAN ZURMI, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, ALHAJI BELLO SULAIMAN
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Emir of Zurmi, Sarkin Zamfaran Zurmi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Bello Sulaiman.
President Tinubu describes the departed Sarkin Zamfaran Zurmi as a highly respected monarch who led his people with wisdom, dignity and unwavering commitment at a most challenging time.
The President notes that Alhaji Sulaiman, who spent five years on the throne, demonstrated exemplary courage and leadership in guiding the Zurmi Emirate through tough security challenges while fostering peace, unity and resilience among his people despite difficult circumstances.
“His Royal Highness was a stabilising figure whose wise counsel and dedication to peace-building were invaluable not only to Zurmi Emirate but to Zamfara State and our nation’s efforts to restore lasting peace in the North-West,” President Tinubu says.
President Tinubu prays that Almighty Allah will forgive the departed traditional ruler’s shortcomings, reward his good deeds, and grant him Aljannah Firdaus. He also prays for comfort and fortitude for all who mourn him.
Governor Dauda Lawal has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Sarkin Zamfaran Zurmi, His Royal Highness, Bello Sulaiman.
Governor Lawal described the Emir’s passing as a profound loss to his family, the Zurmi Emirate, the traditional institution, and the entire people of Zamfara State.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Bello Sulaiman, Sarkin Zamfaran Zurmi.
“His death is a great loss to Zamfara State. He will be remembered for his service to his people, his contributions to the traditional institution, and his commitment to the peace and progress of our state.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Zamfara State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the Zurmi Emirate Council, and the entire people of Zurmi Emirate.
“I pray that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings, rewards his good deeds, grants him Aljannah Firdaus, and gives his family and the people of Zurmi the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
