The Emir of Zuru in Kebbi State, retired Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami, (Gomo II), has died at the age of 81.
The late monarch died on Saturday in a London hospital after a brief illness. He is survived by four wives and seven children.
The Kebbi State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Garba Umar-Dutsinmari, confirmed the emir’s death in a statement on Sunday.
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Alhaji Abdullahi Idris Zuru, who holds the title of Sadaukin Zuru, said the family and emirate are awaiting the arrival of the emir’s remains from London for burial.
Profile
The late Emir was a career Army officer who rose through the ranks to the position of Major General.
He joined the Nigerian Army on December 10, 1962, and attended several professional courses both within and outside the country, including the prestigious Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England. He was commissioned as an officer on July 25, 1963.
He also participated in the Civil War and was the commander of the troops that chased away the Chadian soldiers that invaded Borno State.
Over the course of his military career, he held several key positions, including Commandant of the Brigade of Guards. From 1984 to 1985, he served as the Military Administrator of Bauchi State.
Between 1985 and 1987, he was an officer at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry and also served as Commanding Officer of the 82nd Division.
In 1988, he was appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army.
He retired from the Nigerian Army as a major general on September 3, 1990.
He ascended the throne as the 11th Emir of Zuru in 1995 and was formally turbaned in 1996 as successor to the late Alhaji Usman Danga.
As Emir of Zuru, he promoted peaceful coexistence, socio-economic development, and the preservation of cultural traditions.
The late monarch elevated the International Cultural and Agricultural Festival (Uhola) to international standards, securing its inclusion in Nigeria’s cultural calendar.
Condolences
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his condolences to the government and people of Kebbi State over the passing of the emir, describing his death as a significant loss to the nation.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President noted that Nigeria would long remember the late emir’s remarkable contributions as a military administrator and as a revered traditional ruler.
He recalled that as a young military officer, the late Emir of Zuru also served Nigeria during the Civil War (1967–1970), demonstrating courage and commitment to the unity of the country.
President Tinubu further acknowledged the emir’s sterling leadership, which brought stability and development to the Zuru Emirate and Kebbi State.
“I ask Almighty Allah to grant the late emir eternal rest and to comfort his family, the Zuru Emirate Council, and the people of Kebbi State in this difficult period of mourning,” the president said.
Vice President Kashim Shettima said his death was a monumental loss to Nigeria’s traditional institution and military heritage.
The Vice President noted that the late Emir was an eminent leader who embodied a rare blend of military discipline, traditional wisdom, and community service that defined Nigeria’s post-independence leadership generation.
He said, “When the giant Iroko tree falls, the landscape itself is forever altered. Today, our traditional and military landscapes look markedly different without Major General Sami’s commanding presence that bridged two critical pillars of our national leadership structure.
“Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami was not just an Emir or a military officer; he was a symbol of how diverse forms of leadership can unite to serve a common purpose — the betterment of one’s people and nation.”
The Vice President recalled that the late Emir’s military background brought a unique dimension to traditional governance, noting that his strategic thinking and disciplined approach to leadership significantly enhanced the administrative efficiency of the Zuru Emirate.
Shettima expressed confidence that his legacy would endure in the hearts and minds of those he served.
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State described the late Emir as a highly respected traditional ruler, patriot, and statesman who dedicated his life to serving his people, Kebbi State, and Nigeria.
He said his wisdom, leadership, and fatherly guidance would be greatly missed.
Governor Idris expressed deep sorrow over the emir’s passing and extended his heartfelt condolences to the royal family, the Zuru Emirate Council, and the entire people of Zuru.
He said, “The passing of the monarch is not only a great loss to the Zuru Emirate but also to Kebbi State and the entire nation.
“He was a bridge-builder, a man of peace, and an embodiment of humility and integrity. His legacies will continue to live on.”
The governor prayed Almighty Allah to forgive the late emir’s shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give his family, the Zuru Emirate Council, and the people of Kebbi State the fortitude to bear the loss.
The Kebbi State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Garba Umar-Dutsinmari, said burial arrangements were in progress, pending the arrival of the remains from London.
The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, in a condolence message on behalf of the northern governors, described the late emir as a respected monarch, patriotic leader, and elder statesman who dedicated his life to serving Nigeria both in military and traditional roles.
He fondly recalled the Emir’s illustrious military career, particularly his impactful tenure as the Military Administrator of the old Bauchi State, where he played a significant role in driving development across the state.
Governor Yahaya noted the late Maj. Gen. Sani Sami’s commitment to the progress of his domain and his invaluable support to the Northern States Governors’ Forum through the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, where he remained a respected and stabilizing voice.
The NSGF Chairman extended heartfelt condolences to members of the royal family, the Zuru Emirate Council, as well as the government and people of Kebbi State over this monumental loss.
He urged the royal family to sustain the legacy of service, dignity, and development left behind by the late monarch.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed also paid tribute, describing the late emir as a quintessential leader, disciplined officer, and devout traditional ruler who dedicated his life to service with uncommon courage, justice, and fear of God.
In a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, Governor Mohammed said Bauchi State received the news with deep sorrow, recalling the emir’s impactful tenure as Military Governor of the old Bauchi State, which then comprised today’s Bauchi and Gombe states.
He said, “He is fondly remembered for his visionary infrastructural initiatives, bold civil service reforms, and people-oriented governance that laid the foundation for modern growth in our state. His tenure was marked by fairness, inclusiveness, and justice.”
Governor Mohammed added, “As Emir of Zuru, Major General Sami carried the same values of discipline, humility, and dedication into traditional leadership. He ruled with wisdom, compassion, and integrity, guided always by the fear of Almighty Allah.
“His legacy of peace-building, community development, and bridge-building among diverse groups stands as a shining example of purposeful leadership. His demise is a monumental loss not only to Zuru Emirate and Kebbi State, but to Bauchi, Gombe, and the entire nation. We shall continue to cherish his memory and emulate his shining examples.”
Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, through his media aide Garba Muhammad, described the late emir as a noble leader who distinguished himself in service to the people of Zuru Emirate and Kebbi State at large.
He said that the loss was not only to the Zuru Emirate but also to the entire nation.
He prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the late Emir, grant him eternal rest, and give his family, the people of Zuru Emirate, and Kebbi State the fortitude to bear the loss.
The First Lady of Kebbi State, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, also expressed sadness over the passing of the emir.
Hajiya Zainab, who holds the title of Jagaban Matan Zuru, described him as a revered leader whose vision and dedication to peace and development left a lasting legacy.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba, described the emir’s death as a great loss to Northern Nigeria and the country at large, noting that he lived an exemplary life of service, leadership and patriotism.