Longest reigning Nigerian emir Ahmad Umar dies at 93

Alhaji Ahmad Umar (Mai-Kwatarshi), the Emir of Kwatarkwashi in Bungudu Local Government Area has died.

The monarch, who served on the throne for 61 years is said to be the longest-serving emir in the Northwestern Nigerian state of Zamfara.

He died on Thursday at 93.

The news of his demise was made public by Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe who stated that the emir died after a prolonged illness.

Balarabe further noted that Umar’s funeral prayer was conducted at 6:30 p.m. in the historic town of Kwatarkwashi according to Islamic rites.

Mai Kwatarkwashi was crowned by Sultan Abubakar III on March 17, 1961 and died in his palace.

Until his death, he was the eldest Emir in Zamfara State having spent 61 years on the throne