By KEMI KASUMU
“We, therefore, advise the Sokoto State government and whoever that is involved in this consideration of dethronement to respect that office and throne of the Sultan because, the very day he was turbaned as the Sultan of Sokoto, he started to represent the entire Muslim Ummah, the largest religious community in Nigeria and it is not thought of that anyone of the politicians in that government – Muslim though – will want to lose the privilege.”
Another notable Islamic leader in Southern Nigeria and Grand Imam of Akure Kingdom, Sheikh AbdulHakeem Yayi Akorede, has kicked against any attempt by Sokoto State Government of Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, to tamper with the personality or the Usmaniyyah Throne of the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
READ ALSO Set your kings free, MURIC tells state lawmakers
The vocal and very revered Imam made this reaction following reports that the Sokoto State government, which recently deposed 15 of the traditional rulers under the traditional powers of the Sultan without recourse to him, was planning to depose the Sultan.
READ ALSO LET’S UNMASK THE ROOT: Wamakko not Governor Ahmad Aliyu has declared the war on Sultan
In a statement personally signed by him dated June 25, 2024 and circulated to the media Tuesday night, Sheikh Yayi Akorede said, “The news about government of Sokoto State planning to dethrone the unputdownabke Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, is not one that is palatable and I believe that politicians behind this sound of sadness are better stop before it is too late.
“Although the Sultan is Sultan of Sokoto, perhaps you need to now be told by us, Muslims from outside your Sokoto and and Northern Nigeria that he is not Sultan of Sokoto alone but the Supreme Leader of the over 100 Muslims of Nigeria. This is a privilege that no politician of Sokoto State would want to be connected with losing.
READ ALSO Don’t go there! MURIC warns Sokoto Governor against attempting to depose Sultan
“The Sultan is a leader that deserves respect from any angle, a traditional leader and most importantly a renowned religious leader within Nigeria and up to the world arena being the Co-President ofthe World Religions for Peace HeadquartersinNew York.
“We, therefore, advise the Sokoto State government and whoever that is involved in this consideration of dethronement to respect that office and throne of the Sultan because, the very day he was turbaned as the Sultan of Sokoto, he started to represent the entire Muslim Ummah, the largest religious community in Nigeria and it is not thought of that anyone of the politicians in that government – Muslim though – will want to lose the privilege.
“I will advise the Muslim Ummah in Yoruba Land and across the nation to fast and pray for the Sultan so enemies of peace, unity and development of Sokoto and Nigeria will not succeed in their plans against him.
“May Almighty Allah continue to support him and guide him. Amiin.”
