By Taibat Ummi Yakubu

The Jigawa State Government has approved the appointment of Dr Lawan Ahmed Muhammad Sani as the 17th Emir of Gumel, ushering in a new chapter for one of Northern Nigeria’s oldest and most revered traditional institutions.

The new monarch succeeds his father, the late Alhaji (Dr) Ahmed Muhammad Sani II, whose death on September 3, 2026, brought to an end a remarkable reign that lasted nearly 46 years.

The appointment followed a succession process conducted by the Gumel Emirate kingmakers and later endorsed by the Jigawa State Council of Chiefs before receiving final approval from the state government.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim.

Before his elevation to the throne, Dr Lawan served as the Chiroman Gumel and was also the Director of Cyber Security at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), where he built a reputation in the country's technology and cybersecurity sector.

His emergence came after a keenly contested race involving nine contenders who had expressed interest in succeeding the late Emir.

The selection process was overseen by the kingmakers led by the Wazirin Gumel, Alhaji Adamu Muhammad Nasoro. Following deliberations, the traditional council recommended Dr Lawan for the throne, a decision that was subsequently ratified by the state authorities.

The appointment officially concludes the succession process in the ancient emirate, which had been mourning the loss of a monarch widely regarded as one of Jigawa State's longest-serving traditional rulers.

Governor Umar Namadi praised the kingmakers for what he described as a successful and orderly exercise, commending their commitment to preserving the customs and traditions of the emirate.

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He also acknowledged the role played by members of the Jigawa State Council of Chiefs, particularly the Emirs of Hadejia, Kazaure, Ringim and Dutse, for their guidance and contributions during the selection process.

Congratulating the new Emir, the governor expressed confidence in his ability to lead the emirate and prayed for divine guidance, wisdom and good health throughout his reign.

Namadi urged the monarch to build upon the achievements of his predecessors while fostering peace, unity and development across the emirate.

He noted that traditional institutions remain vital partners in promoting social harmony, community development and effective governance.

The appointment comes only days after the passing of the late Ahmed Muhammad Sani II, whose reign spanned more than four decades and earned him widespread respect within and beyond Jigawa State.

The state government once again extended its condolences to the royal family, the people of Gumel Emirate, the State Council of Chiefs and residents of Jigawa State over the loss of the revered monarch.

Describing his death as a significant loss to the state, the government prayed for Allah to forgive the late Emir's shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

It also prayed for strength, patience and comfort for the royal family and the people of Gumel as they begin a new era under the leadership of the 17th Emir of the historic emirate.