By Abdullahi Tukur, Birnin Kebbi | Nigeria News Today
ZURU, KEBBI STATE — The remains of the late Emir of Zuru, Maj.-Gen. (Rtd.) Muhammad Sani Sami, Gomo II, have been laid to rest in his hometown, Zuru, with Vice President Kashim Shettima, Sultan of Sokoto, top government officials, and eminent traditional rulers in attendance, The Bureau News reports.
The Emir, aged 81, passed away last Saturday in a London hospital after a brief illness. He is survived by four wives and seven children.
The remains of Emir of Zuru
National Leaders Gather in Zuru
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, joined dignitaries including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasir Idris, senators, ministers, and traditional rulers across Northern Nigeria to pay their last respects.
Also present were Senator Musa Maidoki (Kebbi South), former Minister of Interior Lt-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (Rtd.), Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, Estu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, and several emirs from Yauri, Gummi, Anka, and Kagara.
Emir Sanusi II, Sultan of Sokoto, others in the mosque for prayers for the late Emir of Zuru
Funeral Proceedings
The body of the late Emir arrived Zuru airstrip at about 11:43 a.m. aboard aircraft 5N-DOY, accompanied by his family and the Kebbi State Governor. At exactly 1:58 p.m., Vice President Shettima’s aircraft touched down, proceeding straight to Zuru Central Mosque, where the funeral prayer was observed.
Markets and major streets in Zuru were shut down as thousands gathered to witness the Janazah prayer, led by Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Tanko, Chief Imam of Zuru Central Mosque.
After the Friday Jumu’ah prayer, the Emir was interred at his private residence in Zuru town, with leading dignitaries in attendance at the graveside.
Shettima’s Condolence Message
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, VP Shettima described the late Emir as a patriot who served Nigeria with dedication.
“This is a sad day for the entire nation, for Kebbi State, and for the Zuru Emirate. On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I convey our deepest condolences to the government and people of Kebbi State and the family of the late Emir, who dedicated his life to the service of peace and unity,” Shettima said.
He prayed for Almighty Allah to grant the deceased Aljannah Firdaus and give his family and people of Kebbi State the strength to bear the loss.
Legacy of the Emir
Before ascending the throne, Maj.-Gen. Sani Sami served as a distinguished military officer and was once the Military Administrator of Bauchi State. His reign in Zuru Emirate was marked by efforts to strengthen unity, promote education, and preserve cultural values.
The outpouring of grief and respect at his burial underscores his stature as a leader who left an indelible mark on both military service and traditional leadership in Nigeria.
