Muslim leaders in Nigeria have called on the Sokoto State Government to avoid any actions that could lead to the dethronement of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III. This appeal was made during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, where representatives from various Muslim organizations and groups gathered to express their solidarity with the Sultan.
The conference was attended by representatives from notable organizations including the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Jamatu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), and 30 other Islamic groups and associations.
Although the Sokoto State Government has denied any intentions to depose the Sultan, Muslim leaders remain skeptical and have vowed to closely monitor the situation. Abdur-Rahman Balogun, National President of the MMPN, voiced concerns about a bill submitted to the Sokoto State House of Assembly aimed at amending the Sultanate Council Law, which they believe could diminish the Sultan’s powers.
Balogun highlighted the Sultan’s role as the spiritual leader of Nigeria’s Muslim community, noting that any reduction in his powers would have significant implications for the country’s unity and stability. He emphasized that the Sultan serves as a unifying figure, and any attempt to dethrone him would be a disservice to both the community and the nation.
Balogun called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and urge the Sokoto State Government to halt any plans to depose the Sultan or reduce his authority. He also urged the Sokoto State Government to acknowledge the Sultan’s invaluable contributions to the state and the country, and to respect his leadership.
Warning of potential chaos and instability, Balogun stated that the Muslim community would resist any efforts to undermine the Sultan. He appealed to Governor Ahmad Aliyu and his administration to maintain the dignity of the Sultanate and avoid actions that could diminish the Sultan’s influence and authority.
In a united statement, the Muslim leaders said, “We appeal to Governor Ahmad Aliyu and his administration to preserve the revered seat of the Sultan and to avoid any political brigandage that will demean or reduce the influence and authority of Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar CFR. We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and halt any plans to depose the Sultan or reduce his power. We implore our political leaders across Nigeria and our elders, both religious and traditional, to intervene and restore peace and stability to our community. Let us come together in unity and brotherhood to resolve our differences peacefully and respectfully. Let us uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and respect for tradition that have guided us for generations. We will not stand idly by while our beloved Sultan, and the throne he occupies, which is more than 200 years old, are unfairly targeted. We will continue to speak out against this injustice until the attempts to depose him or reduce his power are reversed.”