DEPOSITION SAGA: Ogun Muslim Council flays Sokoto Government’s alleged action

*Lauds rebuttal statement

*Extols Sultan’s qualities

Amidst the rebuttal by the government of Sokoto State of the news of purported move or allegation to depose the 20th Sultan of Sokoto and Amirul Mumineen of Nigeria, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the proposed action has been described as a misplaced priority, a day dream and a rape of the sanctity of traditional headship and institution, undermining the Nigerian Islamic leadership.

This assertion was made by the Secretary General of the Ogun State Muslim Council, Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde Esq., in a statement he issued in Abeokuta, dated June 26, 2024 and circulated to the media on Wednesday.

Reacting to the story that has unsettled the Muslim community and the nation ,now refuted or denied, Akintunde, also a former National President of National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), berated and denounced the attempt describing the push as despicable, ignominious and a ploy to undermine the reversed position of the traditional Muslim leadership in the country.

While underscoring the notability and pre-eminence of the Sultan as the head of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah, Akintunde stated that the Sultan of Sokoto was the “de-facto” first Muslim in Nigeria, hence he was being referred to as “Amirul-Mumineen” and “Sarkin Musulumi” of Nigeria.

He noted that Sultan’s headship of the Nigerian Muslim community explains his occupancy of the coverted seat of President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).

The Ogun State Muslim Council’s Secretary General contended that “the exalted position of the Sultan represents a national and international eminence and prestige, which can neither be ignored nor underestimated under whatever guise or circumstance.”

Akintunde opined that the present Sultan was God chosen and the most travelled Sultan, building bridges across religious and ethnic boundaries.

The Sultan is a detribalised Nigerian and nationalist whose patriotism, words of wisdom and valued contributions to the affairs of the nation are profound, valued and impactful, Akintunde stated.

Counselling the Sokoto legislature to prioritise people oriented statues as against unpopular and unwarranted actions,the erstwhile NACOMYO President implored the Sokoto state government and especially the Governor to eschew prejudice and bigotry and never to be used by self seeking leaders who are all out to settle personal scores or grievances at the expense of overriding concerns and priorities.

Meanwhile, the OMC Chief Scribe has commended Vice President Kashim Shettima for his charge and warning to the government of Sokoto State over its denied action.

According to Akintunde, “the VP’s charge has underscored the proverbial “Yoruba” saying that literally translated to, “Elders will not be at market and allow a baby or picking head to bend”. Just as he lauded the Sokoto government for its bold,yet,timely refutation of the news rumour,noting it as a welcome development that will engender people’s goodwill, harmony, cordiality and collaboration for a progressive “City of Caliphate”.”

Akintunde, who is also the Ogun State Coordinator of Muslim Media Watch Group (MMWG),  recalled a similar incident during the era of a military government, which saw the 18th Sultan of Sokoto and the deceased Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki being deposed, and enjoined the people of Sokoto State and the Nigerian Muslim “Ummah” to remain calm, peaceful, be law abiding and be in harmony with each other, urging all to exercise restraint and caution over the nauseating incident.

In the meantime, an appeal has gone to the Muslim populace to embrace the call for supplication and fasting observance as a spiritual antidote to deal with the present realities.

According to the Ogun State Muslim Council’s Secretary General, such undertaking, with a changed attitude and ethical behaviour, remains a cardinal panacea to achieving cohesion,unity, and progress.

The OMC Scribe also called on the various governments and stakeholders in the health sector and environment management to step up efforts at containing the spread of Cholera ravaging the country.

He emphasized the need for people to practice food hygiene, environmental sanitation and to take water from safe sources to check contracting the cholera disease.