The District Head of Gwandu in Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammadu Rasheed — widely known by his title Sarkin Gabas — died on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, leaving the state’s traditional institutions and wider community in mourning.
Two senior officials of the Kebbi State Government confirmed the news independently: Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, and Abdullahi Idris, Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy. Both spoke to journalists shortly after the news broke.
Abdullahi Idris announced that funeral prayers would be held at the Palace of the Emir of Gwandu in Birnin Kebbi at 3 pm on the same day. “His Royal Highness passed away today, and the burial prayer will be performed at the Emir of Gwandu’s Palace, Birnin Kebbi, by 3pm. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.
The late district head had succeeded his father, Alhaji Muhammadu Bashar Mai-Wurno, who was the eldest son of the late Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Haruna Rasheed — a lineage that placed Muhammadu Rasheed at the heart of one of Kebbi State’s most significant royal families.
Governor Nasir Idris Receives the News in America
Kebbi State Governor Muhammed Nasir Idris was in the United States at the time of the death, attending the United Nations General Assembly alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima. His Chief Press Secretary described the news as a serious blow to the state.
“The death of the District Head of Gwandu is a great loss to Kebbi State and the traditional institution. The governor, who is currently in the United States attending the United Nations General Assembly alongside the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, was shocked by the sudden death of the traditional ruler,” Ahmed Idris said.
The governor’s aide called on God to forgive the late district head’s shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, while also praying that the family, the people of Gwandu and the entire state find the strength to bear the loss.
The passing of Alhaji Muhammadu Rasheed follows the recent death of the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad Sani III, the 16th Emir of Gumel, who was noted for his contributions to public service before ascending the throne. Nigeria’s traditional institutions have absorbed a number of such losses in quick succession, a reminder of the generational transition quietly reshaping the country’s royal landscape.