The Northern Senators Forum (NSF), representing lawmakers from the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has expressed deep sorrow following the passing of two prominent traditional rulers in the region: the Emir of Gumel in Jigawa State, Dr. Ahmed Muhammad Sani, CON, and the Emir of Zurmi in Zamfara State, Alhaji Bello Sulaiman.
​In an official condolence statement issued on Friday, September 4, 2026, from the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, the Forum described the dual deaths as a monumental loss to the traditional institution, Northern Nigeria, and the country at large.
​The statement was signed by the Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua (APC, Katsina Central), who spoke on behalf of the caucus.
​According to official details released by the respective emirate councils, the Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Bello Sulaiman, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Gusau, Zamfara State, after a brief illness.
His passing ended a five-year reign marked by steady leadership and peace-building efforts amidst security challenges in the area. Days later, on Thursday, September 3, 2026, the Emir of Gumel, Dr. Ahmed Muhammad Sani II, CON, passed away in Cairo, Egypt, at the age of 83, bringing a historic 46-year reign to a close.
​Paying tribute to the late traditional rulers, Senator Yar’Adua highlighted their contributions to peace, stability, and development.
Dr. Ahmed Muhammad Sani, CON (Emir of Gumel), Honored as a distinguished scholar and administrator who championed education, advocated for girl-child education, and promoted peaceful coexistence across ethnic and social divides during his nearly five-decade reign.
Alhaji Bello Sulaiman (Emir of Zurmi): Commended for his calm and resilient leadership during severe security challenges in Zamfara State, serving as a pillar of unity for his community throughout his five years on the throne.
​”The two royal fathers dedicated their lives to the service of their people, community development, and the preservation of our cultural values,” Senator Yar’Adua stated in the release. “Their wise counsel, leadership, and unwavering commitment to stability will be sorely missed.”
​The Forum extended its condolences to the bereaved royal families, the Gumel and Zurmi Emirate Councils, the governments and people of Jigawa and Zamfara States, and all Nigerians. The caucus prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the late monarchs’ shortcomings and grant them Aljannah Firdaus.
