The Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad Sani III, has died at the age of 84 after a protracted illness in Egypt.
A palace source, who spoke with Kano Times on condition of anonymity, confirmed the monarch’s death on Thursday.
The source said Sani died while receiving medical treatment in Egypt.
He said the palace would make further announcements on the burial arrangements.
Sani, born on Dec. 12, 1942, was the 16th Emir of Gumel.
Before ascending the throne, he had a distinguished academic and public service career.
He attended the Institute of Administration, Zaria, now part of Ahmadu Bello University, where he obtained a Diploma in Public Administration in 1963.
He later returned to the institution and obtained a Higher Diploma in Public Administration in 1970.
In 1972, he proceeded to Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, United States, where he studied Political Science and International Relations and completed his studies in 1978.
Sani served as Commissioner for Information, Internal Affairs and Culture in the then Kano State Government from 1978 to 1980.
As commissioner, he was instrumental in the establishment of Triumph newspaper and CTV67 television station, now known as ARTV.
He also oversaw the expansion of Radio Kano during his tenure.
His death is expected to attract condolences from the government, traditional institutions, political leaders and residents of the Gumel Emirate.
Further details on the burial arrangements and the process for appointing his successor are expected from the palace.
