Two other emirs, who were also in the convoy that was attacked in north-eastern Borno state, escaped unhurt.
They were all on their way to the funeral of the emir of Gombe, who died recently in London.
Borno state government confirmed the attack and said the gunmen were believed to be Boko Haram members, Chat212 Power FM news agency reports.
They were all on their way to the funeral of the emir of Gombe, who died recently in London.
Borno state government confirmed the attack and said the gunmen were believed to be Boko Haram members, Chat212 Power FM news agency reports.
BBC Nigeria analyst Naziru Mikailu says traditional rulers have been targeted for assassination by Boko Haram before, but attacks on them are rare.
Emirs, who command a lot of respect in the north, have taken a stand against the militants, he says.
In January 2013, suspected Boko Haram fighters attacked the convoy of the emir of Kano, one of the country's prominent religious leaders, as he returned from a mosque to his palace in Kano city.
