Emir Sani Sami: Noted for preservation of cultural traditions

The death of the Emir of Zuru in Kebbi State, retired Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami (Gomo II), has inspired condolences and reminiscences of the life of the monarch, who died at the age of 81. The Kebbi State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Garba Umar-Dutsinmari, confirmed the emir’s death in a statement […]

The death of the Emir of Zuru in Kebbi State, retired Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami (Gomo II), has inspired condolences and reminiscences of the life of the monarch, who died at the age of 81.

The Kebbi State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Garba Umar-Dutsinmari, confirmed the emir’s death in a statement on Sunday.

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.

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, succeeding the late Alhaji Usman Danga.

As Emir of Zuru, he promoted peaceful coexistence, socio-economic development, and the preservation of cultural traditions. He rose to the occasion during the time of religious fanaticism, warning against intolerance between Muslims and Christians in the kingdom.

The late monarch elevated the International Cultural and Agricultural Festival (Uhola) to international standard, securing its inclusion in Nigeria’s cultural calendar.