Sultan of Sokoto makes historic visit to Iwo as Oluwo marks 10th Coronation Anniversary
*Reveals gains of unity among Nigerians regardless of religion, tribe
*Preaches unity, peace and responsible leadership
*Says ‘We can be united but not uniform’
*Oluwo clarifies his cultural reforms, says ‘We are not fighting Yoruba culture’
*Isese should not monopolise Yoruba kingdom — Oluwo
*Sultan’s name, ‘Sa’ad’, means ‘success’ — Chief Imam of Iwo
While lauding the development achieved in Iwo in recent years, the Sultan urged the governments of Osun and Oyo states to prioritise reconstruction of the Iwo–Ibadan road, saying modern infrastructure would accelerate growth and urbanisation for both sides.
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
The ancient city of Iwo, Osun State, came alive on Saturday, November 15, 2025, as the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, paid a historic visit to the kingdom. The event formed part of activities marking the 10th coronation anniversary of the Oluwo of Iwo, His Imperial Majesty Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi Adewale, Telu I.
The Sultan’s arrival was greeted with colourful displays and warm reception from residents, traditional rulers, chiefs, and dignitaries. Among those present was the Akire of Ikire-Ile, His Royal Majesty Oba AbdulAzeez Olatunbosun Adebamiji, who joined others in welcoming the revered leader.
The visit underscores the Sultan’s ongoing efforts to strengthen unity and cultural harmony across Nigeria—an initiative he has consistently championed.
Accompanied by prominent Northern and Southwestern Islamic and traditional leaders — including Deputy President-General (South) of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and President of Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo; Sai Kilgori and Senior Counsellor of the Sultanate Council Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Jabi Kilgori, PhD; and the Sarki Fulani of Lagos, His Royal Highness Dr. Mohammad Abubakar Bambado II — the Sultan described the day as “a date to remember.”
In his address, he thanked Allah for granting him the opportunity to make it to the town and praised the Oluwo’s wife, Olori Firdaos, used as point of contact to greet all the women whose support, he said, sustained the monarchy over the past decade.
The Sultan, who said the 10 years anniversary on the throne means a lot although he was visiting the Oluwo for the second time in nine years, said, “We have been very close, we have been exchanging words between each other as leaders. We have been advising one another on the best way to live in peace and stability in our various communities.”
He emphasised the shared responsibility of Nigerians — irrespective of religion — to uphold peaceful coexistence, “I think what we need to continue to preach is peaceful co-existence, whether you are a Christian, whether you are a Muslim, whether you don’t even have a religion, you would not want anything except what the Almighty Allah wants for you because he created you. You did not ask God to bring you to this world from Iwo or Ibadan or Sokoto. He who creates everything brought you through where he wanted to bring you to the world.
“So, wherever you find yourself, be the best you can be, continue to fear the Almighty Allah who brought you to the world, continue to worship him to the best of your capability. Whatever way you are following to worship God, go ahead and do it, it is between you and God who is right to judge. But we know what our religion says. As Muslims, we are at the forefront, we agree with everybody and that is the value of what we have been doing, we are not to exterminate anybody from any religion anywhere because it is not what God says.”
Because, according to him, prayer is the best weapon for any human being, the Co-President World’s Religions for Peace, seized the occasion of the visit to urge entire Nigerian people to “pray to Almighty Allah”, saying, “he will always be there for you. Whatever problem you find yourself in, face up to Almighty with all your problems. No human being can solve your problems and I think it is important for us to double our effort praying and worshipping Almighty Allah.”
Calling for intensified prayers for leaders across sectors of the nation, he urged citizens to “pray for our leaders, the president himself, the governors, the National Assembly members, the local government chairmen, everybody whom Almighty Allah has given authority to lead us because, whatever he wants he wants at the time he wants it and he will take it from you at the time he wants without you knowing, and when your time is up you will leave without even having a second thought asking for extra second, he would not do that for you.”
While lauding the development achieved in Iwo in recent years, the Sultan urged the governments of Osun and Oyo states to prioritise reconstruction of the Iwo–Ibadan road, saying modern infrastructure would accelerate growth and urbanisation for both sides.
He said, “Today is a date to remember, tomorrow is the main day when you have a programme but I have another programme which is also very important that I will not be able to make. So, I decided to come here this afternoon to felicitate and also pray with you as you continue to pray for our brother here as he marks 10 years of his leadership.
“We say leadership, we don’t say rulership, because we don’t rule, we only lead as Muslims. We want to thank you for being by his side in all the things that he has been doing since Almighty Allah brought him 10 years ago.”
He also condemned the spread of misinformation on social media, warning that divisive and malicious content threatens societal harmony. Instead, he urged Nigerians to close ranks, strengthen peace efforts, and focus on collective progress.
The Sultan reiterated that diversity should be a strength, not a source of conflict, “Almighty Allah created nations and tribes so we can know one another — not fight one another. We can be united but not uniform. Our differences should never divide us.”
He encouraged community members to rise against individuals who threaten peace, stressing that the responsibility of building a safe society belongs to both leaders and citizens.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO OF SULTAN’S SPEECH
In his response, the Oluwo expressed gratitude for the Sultan’s historic second visit to Iwo in nine years, describing it as a divine honour for the kingdom.
He addressed controversies surrounding his cultural reforms, restating that his goal is to cleanse Yoruba culture of practices that, in his view, distort ancestral honour:
“We are not changing Yoruba culture; we are modifying it. How do you honour your father by pouring ogogoro and oil on him? That is not honour — it is desecration. We must clean our culture, not destroy it.”
The Oluwo emphasised that Isese practitioners should not claim ownership of Yoruba culture.
“Isese is a religion. It should not monopolise Yoruba kingdom. Babalawos are not the custodians of all Yoruba heritage. Every religion has its own space,” he said.
He added that kingship belongs solely to God, “The throne belongs to Olodumare. The name ‘Kabiyesi’ — the unquestionable — belongs to God. Eledumare is Allah, Obangiji, Chineke. It is the same God.”
In his closing prayer, the Grand Chief Imam of Iwo Land, Sheikh AbdulMumeen Muhammadu Thanni Adedeji, extolled the Sultan as a beacon of leadership and unity, explaining the significance of his name:
“‘Sa’ad’ means ‘success’ — and it is plural. Iwo has always been successful, but today, success entered this ancient town in abundance.”
He prayed for the Sultan’s safe return and for continued peace and prosperity in Iwo and across Nigeria.
Other photos from the event as show below:
