The Northern States Governors’ Forum, NSGF, has expressed sadness over the deaths of the Emir of Gumel in Jigawa State, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ahmad Muhammad Sani II, and the Emir of Zurmi in Zamfara State, His Royal Highness Alhaji Bello Sulaiman.
Chairman of the forum and Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, conveyed the condolences of the northern governors in a statement issued on Thursday by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli.
Yahaya described the death of the Emir of Gumel as “a profound loss to Jigawa State, the northern region and Nigeria.”
He said the late traditional ruler was widely respected for his wisdom, humility, peace-building efforts and commitment to the welfare and development of his people.
According to the governor, the late emir used his years on the throne to promote stability, unity and progress in the Gumel Emirate.
“Throughout his years on the throne, the late royal father made significant contributions to the stability, unity and progress of the Gumel Emirate, leaving behind a legacy that would continue to inspire generations,” Yahaya said.
The governor commiserated with the late emir’s family, the people of Gumel Emirate, the Jigawa State Government and the people of the state.
He urged members of the royal family and residents of the emirate to preserve the values of peace, unity, service and community development associated with the late monarch.
Yahaya also prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the late emir’s shortcomings, reward his good deeds and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
The northern governors also mourned the death of the Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Bello Sulaiman.
Yahaya described the late Emir Sulaiman as “a respected custodian of tradition and a committed leader” who devoted his five-year reign to the peace, unity and wellbeing of his subjects.
He said the death was a major loss to the Zurmi Emirate, Zamfara State and the traditional institution in Northern Nigeria.
“The death of the royal father is a significant loss to the Zurmi Emirate, Zamfara State and the traditional institution in Northern Nigeria,” the governor said.
Yahaya expressed condolences to the late emir’s family, the people of Zurmi Emirate, the Zamfara State Government and residents of the state.
He urged them to draw strength from the positive impact of the late monarch and the legacy he left behind during his time on the throne.
The governor also prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the late Emir Sulaiman’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
The deaths of the two monarchs have again drawn attention to the important role traditional rulers continue to play in northern Nigeria.
Traditional rulers remain influential in many communities across the region, particularly in matters involving peace, community relations, culture and local development. They often serve as links between government and the people, especially in rural communities where residents may have limited contact with formal government institutions.
Emirs and other traditional rulers also play important roles in preserving customs and traditions that have been passed down through generations. In many parts of northern Nigeria, the traditional institution remains an important part of community life despite changes in the political and administrative structure of the country.
The NSGF’s message therefore reflects not only the personal loss suffered by the families of the two monarchs but also the wider impact of their deaths on their respective emirates and states.
The Gumel Emirate is one of the traditional institutions in Jigawa State, while Zurmi is an important emirate in Zamfara State. Both states, like many parts of northern Nigeria, rely heavily on traditional and community leaders in efforts to promote peace and development.
The governors’ forum said the late Gumel Emir would be remembered for his wisdom, humility and efforts to support peace and the welfare of his people.
Similarly, it said the Emir of Zurmi devoted his five-year reign to the peace, unity and wellbeing of his subjects.
The statements from the forum also highlight the expectations placed on traditional rulers in the region. Beyond their ceremonial duties, many are expected to help settle disputes, encourage peaceful relations among communities and support government efforts on development.
This role is particularly important in northern communities where traditional leaders often have strong ties with the people and are able to communicate directly with them.
Governor Yahaya’s call for the people of Gumel and Zurmi to sustain the values associated with the two late monarchs was therefore also a call for continuity.
For the people of Gumel, he urged the royal family and residents to continue promoting peace, unity, service and community development, which he said were part of the late Emir Ahmad Muhammad Sani II’s legacy.
For the people of Zurmi, he urged them to draw strength from the positive impact and enduring legacy of Emir Bello Sulaiman.
The prayers offered by the NSGF chairman also reflected the Islamic tradition of seeking forgiveness and mercy for the dead. Yahaya asked Allah to forgive the shortcomings of both monarchs, accept their good deeds and grant them Aljannatul Firdaus.
The Northern States Governors’ Forum brings together governors from states across northern Nigeria and provides a platform for them to discuss issues affecting the region and coordinate their positions on matters of common interest.
Its intervention during moments of major loss is also aimed at expressing solidarity with affected communities and acknowledging the contributions of important public and traditional figures.
For the families of the deceased monarchs, the deaths mark the end of periods of traditional leadership and the beginning of mourning within their respective emirates.
The full impact of their departure will be felt not only by their immediate families but also by their subjects and the wider traditional institutions they represented.
As tributes continue to come in, the focus in both emirates is expected to remain on preserving peace and unity while honouring the contributions of the two monarchs.