LAWAN AHMED MUHAMMAD SANI TAKES OVER GUMEL THRONE AFTER FATHER’S DEATH

Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has approved the appointment of Dr Lawan Ahmed Muhammad Sani as the 17th Emir of Gumel, just three days after the death of his father, the late Emir Ahmed Muhammad-Sani II. The announcement was made on Sunday by the Secretary to the Jigawa State Government, Bala Ibrahim, during a press briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Dutse.

According to the state government, the appointment followed consultations with the Gumel Emirate Council, the traditional kingmakers and the Jigawa State Council of Chiefs. Ibrahim said the decision was made in line with the Jigawa State Emirate Council Law and took immediate effect to prevent a prolonged leadership vacuum while ensuring stability and continuity within the emirate.

The new monarch previously held the traditional title of Ciroman Gumel during his father’s reign, giving him considerable familiarity with the affairs and traditions of the emirate. Beyond his traditional role, Lawan Ahmed Muhammad Sani has also built a career in Nigeria’s technology sector, having served as Director of Cyber Security at the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA.

His emergence follows the death of his father, Ahmed Muhammad-Sani II, who passed away on September 3, 2026, after a 46-year reign on the Gumel throne. The late monarch’s lengthy tenure made him one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in Jigawa State, with his reign spanning several decades of political and social changes in the country.

Governor Namadi commended the Gumel Emirate kingmakers, led by the Wazirin Gumel, Adamu Muhammad Nasoro, as well as the Emirs of Hadejia, Kazaure, Ringim and Dutse for their roles in the selection process. The governor congratulated the new Emir and expressed confidence that he would provide purposeful leadership while contributing to the peace, development and unity of Gumel Emirate, Jigawa State and Nigeria.