The Yobe State Emir of Gazargamu, Alhaji Tijjani Ibn Sale Geidam, has died in Cairo, Egypt at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness in a hospital there. His death was confirmed by his son, Engr. Tijjani Hamisu Bala, who serves as the General Manager of the Yobe State Road Maintenance Agency (YCHMA). In a statement released on Tuesday in Damaturu, Bala announced the passing of his father, describing him as a father, mentor, and traditional ruler whose life was devoted to serving his people and humanity in the state and the country at large.
Son Confirms Death
“With profound sorrow and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, I announce the passing of my beloved father, namesake and traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ahmad Tijjani Ibn Saleh, the Emir of Gazargamu, who returned to his Creator today, June 9, 2026, in Cairo, Egypt, after a protracted illness,” Bala said. He added that the late emir’s life was marked by wisdom, humility, courage, and unwavering dedication to the service of his people. “His fatherly guidance, leadership and legacy will remain a source of inspiration to us all,” he stated.
Prayers and Burial Plans
Bala prayed to God to forgive the late monarch’s shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus, while also giving the family and the entire emirate strength and patience to bear the painful loss. Meanwhile, details of the burial arrangements are yet to be announced, and it remains unclear whether the remains of the late emir will be buried in Nigeria or in Egypt.
A Life of Service
The deceased was a first-class traditional ruler in Yobe State and had been on the throne for 34 years, having been appointed in 1992 during the administration of the late Bukar Abba Ibrahim. Gazargamu is historically the capital of the ancient Kanem-Bornu Empire. The late emir was born in 1946 in Mairari, Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State. He received his early education at Geidam Elementary School, Yerwa Senior Primary School, and the Institute of Administration, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He held a Higher Islamic Teachers Certificate and a Diploma in Sharia and Civil Law.
Career Before Ascension
Prior to his ascension to the throne, he worked as a teacher, an area court assistant registrar, Chairman of Geidam Local Government, and Commissioner for Agriculture in the old Borno State. In May 2020, he was appointed Chancellor of Yobe State University. His legacy of leadership and service will be remembered by many.
