On October 31, 2026, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, presented the Staff of Office to the 16th Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Abdulkadir Ibrahim Bello II, and 18 other first-class Emirs in the state. The ceremony, held at the Trade Fair Complex in Gusau, was attended by thousands of subjects, traditional title holders, senior government officials, and dignitaries from across the North-West. This event marked a significant milestone in the history of the Gusau Emirate and the traditional institution in Zamfara State.
The 16th Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Abdulkadir Ibrahim Bello II, is a direct descendant of Malam Sambo Dan Ashafa, the founder of the Gusau Emirate. He was appointed in July 2025 following the death of his father, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello, who passed away on July 25, 2025, at the age of 71. The Gusau Emirate, with its historical roots linked to the 19th-century Sokoto Jihad, remains a vital traditional institution and a major cultural and political centre in Zamfara State.
Governor Lawal described the new Emir as a gentle, compassionate, and humble personality, expressing confidence in his ability to provide leadership for the people of the emirate. He urged the traditional rulers to work closely with governments at all levels towards restoring lasting peace and stability in Zamfara State. The governor emphasized that tackling insecurity required collective responsibility and the active involvement of traditional institutions, communities, and government authorities.
The governor charged the traditional rulers with promoting unity, peaceful coexistence, and development, highlighting their role as custodians of the people’s culture and heritage. He expressed optimism that the reign of the 16th Emir of Gusau would usher in significant socio-economic development for the emirate, Zamfara State, and Nigeria. The governor’s remarks underscored the importance of traditional institutions in promoting peace and development.
In his response, the Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Abdulkadir Ibrahim Bello II, pledged to provide purposeful leadership focused on peace, security, and development. He assured his subjects that he would remain committed to their welfare, promote unity, and work towards attracting development to the emirate. The Emir called on residents to remain law-abiding, maintain peaceful relationships, and support government policies aimed at improving the state.
The coronation ceremony included activities that honoured the history of Gusau, such as a public lecture on the life of Malam Sambo Dan Ashafa, the founder of Gusau. A grand turbaning ceremony was also held for distinguished personalities recognized for their contributions to the growth of the Gusau Emirate and Zamfara State. The event reflected the significance of the emirate’s traditional institution and its role in promoting cultural heritage, community leadership, and development.
The presentation of the Staff of Office to the 16th Emir of Gusau and 18 other traditional rulers marks a new chapter in the history of the Gusau Emirate and Zamfara State. The event demonstrated the state government’s commitment to recognizing and supporting traditional institutions and their role in promoting peace, unity, and development. The new Emir and traditional rulers are expected to play a crucial role in promoting the state’s cultural heritage and socio-economic development.
Key points
- Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, presents Staff of Office to 16th Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Abdulkadir Ibrahim Bello II.
- The Gusau Emirate has historical roots linked to the 19th-century Sokoto Jihad.
- The new Emir pledges to provide purposeful leadership focused on peace, security, and development.
