By BASHIR ADEFAKA
The Alara of Ilara Kongdom and Vice Chairman (Epe Division) of Lagos State Council of Chiefs, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, has congratulated Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who clocked 17 years on the throne as Sultan of Sokoto on Thursday November 2, 2023.
Oba Ogunsanwo made this in a message sent to The DEFENDER on Thursday, saying the Sultan has garnered a great deal of achievements to be celebrated by many Nigerians, who value the greatness.
The Lagos paramount ruler noted that, “His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar’s place, not only as Sultan of Sokoto but also, as a leading father figure with track record of achievements is noticeable.”
He noted that as he clocks 17 years on the throne of his forefathers, on Thursday November 2, the Sarkin Musulumi of Nigeria is worthy of celebration now and at all times.
Describing him as an exceptional leader and a rare gem, the Alara said Alhaji Abubakar is ‘unputdownable’ and an amiable personality that is admired by people across religious, ethnic and cultural boundaries.
Oba Ogunsanwo, who is a former Chairman Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue Service until he ascended the throne in August 2020, agreed that the many descriptions of Sultan as a quintessential and multifaceted leader of men could not be far from truth, adding that “His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar is a wonderful traditional leader and very highly detribalized religious figure.”
Oba Ogunsanwo said “times like this some of us, who are his admirers and friends anxiously wait for” to celebrate and appreciate the globally rated leader of Muslim faithful and continentally one of four most influential monarchs.
“On behalf of myself and the Ilara Kingdom, I wish to appreciate the Sultan, who is Chairman, National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria (NTRCN) and Co-Moderator of the Council of Religions for Peace (CRP), globally, on his day as he clocks 17 years this 2nd November, 2023. It is his day as chosen by the Lord and we leverage on it, as an opportunity, to show our gratitude to one of our foremost leaders.
“Wishing you many more purposeful years on the throne, Your Eminence!” the Alara said.
