Kwankwaso mourns Emir of Gumel

A former Kano State Governor and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has condoled with the family of the late Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad-Sani II, describing the traditional ruler as a distinguished and far-sighted leader.

Kwankwaso, in a condolence message posted on his verified X account on Thursday, mourned the death of the monarch, who spent 46 years on the throne, and extended his condolences to the Gumel Emirate and the people and government of Jigawa State.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmad Muhammad Sani II,” Kwankwaso said.

He said the late emir would be remembered for his leadership and dedicated service to the Gumel Emirate.

We shall always remember His Highness as a distinguished and far-sighted leader who guided the Gumel Emirate to remarkable heights over 45 years of dedicated service,” he said.

The monarch died at the age of 85 on Thursday afternoon at a hospital in Egypt, according to an official statement.

His death came four days after the death of the Emir of Zurmi in Zamfara State, Bello Suleiman, who died on Monday at the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau.

The late Muhammad-Sani was born into the Gumel Emirate ruling family and received his early education at Gumel Primary School between 1948 and 1953 before proceeding to Hadejia Middle School.

He later attended Rumfa College, formerly Kano High School, completing his secondary education in 1961.

He obtained a Diploma in Public Administration from the Institute of Administration in Zaria in 1963 and a Higher Diploma in 1970 before proceeding to Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, United States, where he studied Political Science and International Relations between 1972 and 1978.

Muhammad-Sani began his working career with the Gumel Native Authority between 1961 and 1963 before joining the Nigeria Immigration Service in 1964. He was later posted to Gamboru Ngala in present-day Borno State.

In 1972, he moved into public administration and served as a senior government official at the Kazaure Divisional Office.

He also ventured into politics, contesting for a Senate seat in 1978 under the Great Nigeria People’s Party but was unsuccessful.

Following an alliance between the GNPP and the People’s Redemption Party, he was appointed Commissioner for Information, Internal Affairs and Culture in the old Kano State, serving between 1978 and 1980.

During his time as commissioner, he was involved in 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 end following the death of his father, who was then the Emir of Gumel, on December 13, 1980.

Three days later, on December 16, 1980, Muhammad-Sani was selected to succeed his father and formally ascended the throne as the Emir of Gumel in the old Kano State.

He subsequently spent 46 years on the traditional stool, leading the Gumel Emirate until his death on Thursday.

Kwankwaso prayed for the repose of the monarch’s soul, asking Almighty Allah to grant him Jannatul Firdaus.

“May Almighty Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus,” he said.

He also extended his condolences to the late emir’s family, the Gumel Emirate, and the people and government of Jigawa State.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the Gumel Emirate, and the people and Government of Jigawa State,” Kwankwaso said.