Sultan Abubakar Marks 20 Years On Throne, Calls For Unity And Peaceful Coexistence

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Muslims to refrain from forcing people to embrace Islam, emphasising that the religion does not support coercion or forced conversion.

The monarch called on Muslims to demonstrate the true values of their faith through their actions while encouraging peaceful coexistence among people of different religious backgrounds.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the Sultan made the remarks on Monday during the closing ceremony of activities marking his 20th anniversary on the throne and the 13th Sheikh Usmanu Bin Fodiyo Week in Sokoto State.

Abubakar, who also serves as the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, described himself as a soldier of Islam and peace, explaining that much of his responsibility as a traditional and religious leader involved resolving conflicts and promoting harmony in communities.

He said his commitment to peace had remained central to his leadership, noting that his previous experience as a soldier had further shaped his dedication to maintaining stability and resolving disputes.

The Sultan also urged Nigerians to draw valuable lessons from the founding principles of the Sokoto Caliphate, particularly its emphasis on good governance, respect for human dignity, strong human relationships and devotion to God.

According to him, these values played important roles in building a peaceful and organised society and remain relevant despite the political, economic and social changes experienced over the years.

He also criticised the legacy of British colonial rule, arguing that the system introduced structures that continued to benefit colonial interests while making it difficult for Africans to overcome colonial mentality and values.

Abubakar described the Sokoto Caliphate as evidence of the capacity of African scholars to establish a society, government and economy guided by the rule of law.

He maintained that the history and achievements of the caliphate could provide important lessons for Africa’s development, independence and social transformation.

The monarch further called on Islamic scholars to promote the spirit of brotherhood taught by Prophet Muhammad and educate the public about the historical role of the Sokoto Caliphate in uniting people from different ethnic backgrounds.

Meanwhile, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, congratulated the Sultan on his 20 years on the throne, describing his reign as one characterised by humility, unity, stability, religious tolerance and national cohesion.

Lawal acknowledged the monarch’s contributions to national development, noting that his guidance and interventions had remained valuable in addressing Nigeria’s economic, social and security challenges.

The governor urged Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, community leaders and youth organisations to work together in promoting peaceful coexistence, discouraging extremism and restoring important moral values such as honesty, compassion and respect for human life.

He stressed that achieving lasting peace required more than security operations, adding that quality education, economic opportunities, good moral upbringing and active community participation were equally important.

Similarly, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, represented by his deputy, Idris Gobir, commended the Sultan for his contributions to religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national development.

Aliyu described the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the intellectual and moral heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate, particularly the teachings of Sheikh Usmanu Bin Fodiyo, Abdullahi Fodio and Sheikh Muhammad Bello.

He highlighted their contributions to scholarship, moral reform, social responsibility, justice, accountability and good governance, urging Nigerians to uphold these principles in addressing the country’s challenges.