Nigeria celebrates anniversary of influential sultan

By Rafiu Ajakaye

SOKOTO, Nigeria

Nigeria’s vice president Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday lauded the founders of a caliphate whom he said built a legacy of scholarship which encouraged justice and repudiated oppression and extremism.

Events commemorating the 10th coronation anniversary of the influential Sultan of Sokoto got underway on Thursday with scholars and dignitaries from across the world lined up for various activities in Nigeria’s northwestern state.

Sultan Sa’d Abubakar III is the 20th head of the caliphate, founded in 1804 by the famous Islamic promoter Othman Bin Fodio. Sa’d, a retired army officer, was crowned Sultan on Nov. 2, 2006 after his predecessor died in a plane crash. He is the leader of the country's nearly 100 million Muslims.

An international symposium on the Sokoto Caliphate is being held in the state capital, attended by intellectuals from within and outside Nigeria as well as senior politicians, traditional rulers and businessmen.

A keynote address is to be given by Professor Murray Last of the University of London. Governors and senior parliamentarians are also attending.

Muhammadu Sanusi, the outspoken former central bank governor and emir of Kano, will also be present.

“The events are very significant as they deservedly celebrate this unique Sultan who has been a great bridge builder,” said Khalid Aliyu, secretary general of Muslim group Jama’atu Nasrul Islam, speaking to Anadolu Agency.

“The symposium, as you can see, is a gathering of intellectuals on the impact of the caliphate on the socioeconomic and political development not just in Nigeria but beyond,” he added.

Professor Shehu Ahmad Galadanchi, chairman of the symposium, said the event captured the essence of the caliphate.

“Today is a special day in the history of Sokoto and Nigeria. It is the day we gather to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the 20th sultan and the leader of the faithful,” Galadanchi said.

“He has consistently worked for peace, unity and development of Nigeria. His invaluable contributions are well known to all of us and appreciated by all, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. He is a rare breed. The caliphate is an institution founded over two centuries ago with organized structures built on justice and to look after the welfare of the ummah,” he added.