The Yoruba Nation Self-Determination Movement has issued a strong rebuke to the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, rejecting his claim to leadership over Yoruba Muslims and criticizing his recent call for the imposition of Sharia law in Yorubaland.
In a statement signed by its leader, Professor Banji Akintoye, the movement asserted that no Islamic doctrine mandates Yoruba Muslims to recognize the Sultan as their leader. The statement emphasized the distinct traditional leadership structures within the Yoruba community, highlighting the revered status of the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo.
The movement also challenged the Sultan’s assertion that Yoruba people are denying Yoruba Muslims their religious rights, labeling it a “falsehood.” They pointed to the ongoing violence perpetrated by Fulani individuals against Yoruba communities, including Muslims, and questioned the Sultan’s silence on these issues.
“The Sultan’s message claims that the Sultan is the head of the Islamic religion in Nigeria,” the statement reads. “Well, while our Yoruba Muslims faithfully surrender their lives to the Almighty God Allah and fully exalt Allah’s great Prophet Mohammed, most do not know the Sultan as their leader.”
The statement further argues that the Sultan’s perceived inaction against the violence faced by Yoruba Muslims undermines his claim to leadership. “During the past ten years, the Sultan’s Fulani people have killed countless thousands of Yoruba Muslims in all parts of Yorubaland… the Sultan of Sokoto has not, at any time, raised his influential voice against these heinous crimes,” the statement asserts.
The Yoruba Nation Self-Determination Movement urged the Fulani community to reconsider their approach to religious and political matters in Nigeria, criticizing what they perceive as a “born-to-rule” mentality and emphasizing the importance of respecting the autonomy and traditions of other ethnic groups. They called the Sultan’s statement “disrespectful” and a reflection of this perceived dominance.
The statement concluded by highlighting the widespread opposition to the Sultan’s message among Yoruba people, noting that both Muslim and non-Muslim voices have rejected his claims.
Islam Doesn’t Mandate Yoruba Muslims To Recognize You As Their Leader-Oduduwa Nation Movement Tells Sultan Of Sokoto
