Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the death of the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Dr Ahmed Muhammad Sani II, as a huge loss to Nigeria and the traditional institution, saying the late monarch devoted nearly five decades on the throne to peacebuilding, education and community development.

Shettima said the late Emir belonged to a distinguished generation of traditional rulers whose influence transcended their palaces and contributed significantly to national cohesion, stability and development.

The Vice President spoke on Friday during a condolence visit to Jigawa State, where he conveyed the sympathies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to the royal family, the Gumel Emirate Council, Governor Umar Namadi and the government and people of the state.

The 16th Emir of Gumel died in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday, September 3, after a reign of nearly 46 years.

He ascended the throne on December 16, 1980, and remained one of Nigeria’s longest-serving first-class traditional rulers until his death.

Shettima said the late monarch would be remembered not merely for the longevity of his reign, but for the stability, wisdom and strong sense of duty with which he served his people through decades of political and social transformation in Nigeria.

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “His Royal Highness was more than a traditional ruler. He was a father, a bridge-builder and a stabilising voice whose wisdom served his people and the nation for almost half a century.

“He belonged to that distinguished generation of traditional leaders who understood that the palace must remain a place of refuge, counsel and unity for all. His passing has taken from us a repository of history, experience and institutional memory”, the Vice President said.

Shettima noted that Sani II’s reign traversed different eras in the country’s political history and major social changes, but said the monarch remained steadfast in his commitment to peace, education, Islamic scholarship and harmonious coexistence among his people.

According to him, the Emir’s leadership demonstrated the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in fostering peace, providing guidance to communities and promoting national unity.

He said President Tinubu held the late monarch in high esteem, particularly because of his contributions to peacebuilding and community development over the decades.

The Vice President added that the Tinubu administration continued to regard traditional institutions as critical partners in strengthening national unity and stability.

“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, I extend our profound condolences to the royal family, the Gumel Emirate Council, the government and people of Jigawa State.

“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannah Firdaus. May Allah also grant his family, the Emirate and the people of Jigawa State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Shettima prayed.

President Tinubu had on Thursday mourned the monarch, describing his death as marking the end of a remarkable and historic era.

The President paid tribute to Sani II as a distinguished scholar, administrator and statesman, whose contributions went beyond the Gumel Emirate; noting that his nearly 46-year reign distinguished him as one of Nigeria’s longest-serving and respected traditional rulers.

Sani II, who held the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), spent much of his reign promoting education, Islamic scholarship, peaceful coexistence and community development within the emirate and beyond. (The Nation)