Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has appointed Dr Lawan Ahmed Muhammad-Sani as the 17th Emir of Gumel, three days after the death of his father, Ahmed Muhammad-Sani II.
The appointment, announced on Sunday, September 6, 2026, by Secretary to the State Government Bala Ibrahim, followed recommendations from the Gumel Emirate kingmakers and the Jigawa State Council of Chiefs.
The kingmakers were led by the Wazirin Gumel, Adamu Nasoro, while the council comprises the Emirs of Hadejia, Kazaure, Ringim and Dutse.
The late emir died in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday, September 3, after nearly 46 years on the throne. He ascended the stool on December 16, 1980.
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Lawan, formerly the Ciroman Gumel, served as Director of Cybersecurity at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) before his elevation.
Governor Namadi commended the kingmakers and Council of Chiefs for the selection process and urged residents to support the new monarch.
He wished Lawan a peaceful and successful reign dedicated to the unity and development of Gumel Emirate.
The appointment ushers in a new reign following one of the longest tenures in the history of the Gumel traditional institution.