Emir of Zazzau

The Emir of Zazzau, known as "Sarkin Zazzau" in Hausa, is the traditional ruler based in Zaria, which was also known as Zazzau in the past. Although in centuries past, the emirs ruled as absolute monarchs, in the 20th and 21st centuries Nigerian traditional rulers hold little constitutional power, but wield considerable behind-the-scenes influence on the government. The emir's residence is in the historic palace in the town of Zaria.
Shehu Idris was emir from 1975 until his death on September 20, 2020, at the age of 84. Idris was the longest reigning monarch in the history of the Zazzau emirate, having reigned for 45 years.
Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli became the 19th Emir of Zazzau. He is the first emir from the Mallawa ruling house in 100 years, following the demise in 1920 of his grandfather, Emir Dan Sidi.