The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has expressed concern over rumors that Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State plans to depose the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III. This comes amidst controversy over the deposition of monarchs in Kano State, with 15 traditional rulers already removed by the governor.
Prof. Isiaq Akintola, Executive Director of MURIC, warned that Nigerian Muslims reject any attempt to depose the Sultan, who holds both traditional and religious significance as the spiritual head of Nigerian Muslims. Akintola cautioned the governor against taking such action, emphasizing the far-reaching implications beyond Sokoto State.
MURIC advises the governor to exercise restraint, as tampering with the Sultan’s stool could lead to drastic measures from Nigerian Muslims. The organization emphasized that having a traditional ruler as leader is a necessary aspect of the structure that Nigerian Muslims have accepted, and any further diminishment of the Sultan’s authority could force them to reconsider this position.
This warning comes as a reminder of the sensitivity surrounding the deposition of traditional rulers, particularly those with significant religious and cultural significance like the Sultan of Sokoto.