llness in Egypt
The traditional leadership of Ngazargamu Emirate in Yobe State has been thrown into mourning following the death of its ruler, Alhaji Ahmad Tijjani Ibn Saleh Geidam, who passed away after a prolonged illness while receiving medical care abroad.
The monarch died on Tuesday in Cairo, Egypt, where he had been undergoing treatment for an undisclosed medical condition.
Family Confirms Passing in Emotional Announcement
The first official confirmation came from the late emir’s son, Tijjani Bala, who is also the General Manager of the Yobe State Road Maintenance Agency.
He announced the development in a statement issued from Damaturu.
Bala described his father’s passing as a moment of profound grief, noting that the family submitted to what he called the will of Almighty Allah.
He said the emir died on June 9, 2026, after battling illness for a prolonged period, adding that the loss was deeply personal as well as communal.
A Leader Remembered for Wisdom and Service
In his tribute, Bala portrayed the late monarch as more than a traditional ruler, describing him as a father figure, mentor, and community leader whose life embodied humility, courage, and dedication to public service.
He said the emir’s leadership style and personal values left a lasting imprint on both his family and the wider emirate.
According to him, the late ruler’s guidance would continue to serve as a moral and cultural reference point for those he left behind.
Emirate Council Confirms Death and Announces Burial Arrangements
The Ngazargamu Emirate Council also formally announced the monarch’s death through a statement signed by the Waziri of Ngazargamu, Muhammad Baba-Kankare.
The council expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing the emir as a respected custodian of the emirate’s long-standing cultural heritage and traditions.
It confirmed that the monarch passed away in Egypt following a lengthy illness and noted that arrangements were underway to bring his remains back to Nigeria.
Burial Plans and Community Prayers Expected in Damaturu
According to the council, the body of the late emir will be repatriated to Nigeria, where funeral rites are expected to take place in Damaturu.
However, officials stated that the exact date and time of the burial would be announced later.
The council also urged residents of the emirate and the general public to offer prayers for the repose of the deceased, emphasizing his role as a key guardian of tradition and cultural identity in the region.
Family and Community Seek Divine Mercy for the Late Monarch
In addition to official statements, the emir’s family has called on the public to pray for Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
They also asked for strength and patience for both the immediate family and the wider Ngazargamu community as they come to terms with the loss of a long-serving traditional ruler whose influence spanned generations.
