The Emir of Gumel in Jigawa State, Ahmed Muhammad-Sani, has died at the age of 85 after 46 years on the throne.

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

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

 Early life and education

Ahmed Muhammad-Sani began his education at Gumel Primary School between 1948 and 1953 before attending Hadejia Middle School from 1953 to 1956.

He later completed his secondary education at Rumfa College, then known as Kano High School, in 1961.

He obtained a Diploma in Public Administration from the Institute of Administration in Zaria, now part of Ahmadu Bello University, in 1963 and a Higher Diploma in 1970.

He subsequently studied at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, United States, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a postgraduate degree in International Relations between 1972 and 1978.

 Public service and politics

Muhammad-Sani began his working career with the Gumel Native Authority in 1961 and later joined the Nigeria Immigration Service in 1964, where he was 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 entered politics in 1978, contesting a Senate seat on the platform of the Great Nigeria People’s Party (GNPP). Although he lost the election, he was later appointed Commissioner for Information, Internal Affairs and Culture in the old Kano State following a political alliance involving the GNPP and the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).

As commissioner between 1978 and 1980, he was involved in the development of the state’s media sector. His tenure included the establishment of *The Triumph* newspaper and CTV67 television station, now known as ARTV, as well as the expansion of Radio Kano.

 Ascension to the throne

His political career ended following the death of his father, the then Emir of Gumel, on December 13, 1980.

Three days later, on December 16, 1980, Muhammad-Sani was selected to succeed his father and became the Emir of Gumel in the then Kano State.

He remained on the throne for 46 years until his death on Thursday.

Details of his burial and funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the emirate authorities and his family.