Muslim Rights Concern is expressing concerns over an alleged scheme by Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, to depose the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
In a release on Monday, Prof. Isiaq Akintola, Executive Director of MURIC, raised alarm about the potential action, which is unfolding amidst controversy and tension following the removal of multiple monarchs in Kano State.
Governor Aliyu had previously ousted 15 traditional rulers for various infractions.
Akintola mentioned, “Nigerian Muslims firmly oppose any talk of deposing the Sultan. Reports suggest that the governor may move against the Sultan of Sokoto anytime soon, using similar flimsy excuses that led to the dethronement of the 15 traditional rulers he previously removed.”
Akintola emphasized that the Sultan’s role is not only ceremonial but also religious, with a reach extending beyond Sokoto to encompass all Nigerian Muslims as their spiritual leader.
“MURIC advises the governor to think twice before acting. The Sultan’s position is not just ceremonial but also religious. Similarly, his influence transcends Sokoto to cover the entirety of Nigeria. He serves as the spiritual head of all Nigerian Muslims,” Akintola remarked.
Akintola warned Aliyu against inciting Nigerian Muslims to take drastic steps, pointing to historical precedents.
“A past incident where Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki was deposed by Military Governor, Colonel Yakubu Muazu, on 20th April 1996, exposed this vulnerability. Nigerian Muslims will be compelled to take firm action if Sokoto governors continue to diminish the Sultan’s authority.”
He added, “To dispel any doubts, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar is not solely the Sultan of Sokoto but also of all Nigerian people.
“His performance and leadership approach have endeared him to Nigerians.”
Akintola suggested that if Sokoto’s administration persists in undermining the Sultan, Nigerian Muslims might lean towards choosing Islamic scholars as their leaders over traditional rulers.
“It would signify a farewell to traditional rulers’ leadership within the NSCIA, marking a permanent shift from Sokoto’s privileged leadership role. However, history will not look favorably upon Col. Yakubu Muazu and Ahmed Aliyu for scuttling Sokoto’s prospects.”
He cautioned that repeated actions against the Sultan will not be tolerated.
“First is a random event, the second a coincidence, but the third signals deliberate hostility. If a second deposition of a Sultan and NSCIA leader occurs, Nigerian Muslims will not permit a third humiliation to take place.”
MURIC urged the Sokoto State House of Assembly to reconsider the state’s chieftaincy laws to exempt the Sultan of Sokoto.
“MURIC reiterates its plea to the Sokoto State House of Assembly to either revoke or revise the state’s chieftaincy laws by inserting the phrase ‘except the Sultan of Sokoto’ into Section 6, Cap 26 of the Laws of Northern Nigeria, which grants the state governor power to depose emirs including the Sultan.”
Akintola called on Northern elites and Islamic scholars to intervene promptly.
“This is the moment to engage the Sokoto State House of Assembly and the governor directly. If Kano State’s chieftaincy laws can be repealed in 24 hours, there’s no reason why Sokoto State’s cannot be amended quickly to secure immunity for the Sultan’s office and save Nigerian Muslims from significant embarrassment.”
The Sokoto State Government has not yet responded to MURIC’s accusations.
Earlier, it had announced intentions to amend section 76 of the local government and chieftaincy law to align with prevailing practices within the state.
Presently, the Sultanate Council offers suggestions for district and village head appointments, but the final authority to appoint rests with the governor.
The state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Nasir Binji, clarified that the proposed amendment aims to harmonize the legal framework with customary processes.
“Under the proposed change, the Sultanate Council would maintain the power to recommend candidates, while the governor would be vested with the authority to appoint,” stated Binji after a meeting of the State Executive Council.