Sultan of Sokoto pays condolence visit to Jigawa over demise of Emir of Gumel
By KEMI KASUMU
His Eminence had, in his condolence message issued by his media team on Friday, described the late Emir as “a distinguished scholar, a man of wisdom and a father to all,” who devoted his life to the service of his people and to the promotion of peace, education and the preservation of cherished cultural and traditional values.
His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has paid a condolence visit to His Excellency, Malam Umar Namadi, Governor of Jigawa State, the Gumel Emirate Council and the people of the Emirate following the passing of His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmad Muhammad Sani II, CON, the Emir of Gumel.
This was contained in a statement signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka on behalf of the Media Team of the Sultan of Sokoto, dated Saturday September 5, 2026.
The visit by His Eminence is in continuation of the Sultanate’s expression of profound grief and solidarity with the people of Gumel Emirate, the Government and people of Jigawa State over the departure of the revered traditional ruler.
His Eminence had, in his condolence message issued by his media team on Friday, described the late Emir as “a distinguished scholar, a man of wisdom and a father to all,” who devoted his life to the service of his people and to the promotion of peace, education and the preservation of cherished cultural and traditional values.
Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, who arrived via Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano on Saturday September 5, 2026, proceeded to Gumel, where he was received by Governor Umar Namadi at his residence.
The Sultan was accompanied by the Emir of Dutse, His Royal Highness Dr. Nuhu Muhammad Sanusi II, Emir of Hadejia, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Adamu Abubakar Maje, and members of his entourage, including his Chief of Staff, and the Sarkin Fada Sokoto, Alhaji Kabiru Tafida, among other dignitaries.
At the condolence gathering, His Eminence expressed his deepest sympathy to the family of the late Emir, the Gumel Emirate Council, the people of the Emirate and the Government of Jigawa State.
The Sultan prayed Almighty Allah SWT to envelop the soul of the departed Emir in His infinite mercy, forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, reward his long and distinguished service to his people and humanity, and grant him the eternal abode of Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
His Eminence further prayed Almighty Allah to grant the bereaved family, the Emirate Council and the people of Gumel Emirate the fortitude, patience and strength to bear this irreparable loss.
The Sultan also prayed for the continued peace, unity, stability and prosperity of Jigawa State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while beseeching Almighty Allah to guide, protect and preserve the nation and its people.
The late Emir of Gumel departed this world on Thursday, September 3, 2026, in Cairo, Egypt, after a remarkable reign spanning 46 years.
He ascended the ancient throne of Gumel on December 16, 1980, and served his people with distinction for nearly five decades, dedicating his reign to the preservation of the rich heritage and traditions of the Emirate, as well as the promotion of peace, unity, education and community development.
In his earlier condolence message, His Eminence described him as a distinguished scholar, a repository of wisdom and a father figure whose passing represents a profound loss to the Gumel Emirate, Jigawa State, the traditional institution and the entire Muslim Ummah.
The Sultan stated:
“On behalf of myself, my family and the Sultanate, I extend my deepest condolences to the immediate family of His Royal Highness, the Gumel Emirate Council, the Government and good people of Jigawa State, the Northern Traditional Rulers Council and the entire Muslim Ummah over this painful and irreparable loss.
“His departure is indeed a great loss. We shall greatly miss his wisdom, counsel, fatherly disposition and invaluable contributions to the peace, unity and development of our communities.
“We submit to the will of Almighty Allah, Who gives life and takes it at the appointed time. We therefore pray that Allah SWT, in His infinite mercy, forgives the shortcomings of the departed Emir, accepts his good deeds, rewards his years of service to humanity and grants him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.”
May Almighty Allah SWT continue to uphold the Sultanate, bless the traditional institution, preserve our communities in peace and unity, and grant the departed Emir eternal rest.
