President Bola Tinubu has joined Nigerians in celebrating the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, as he marks 20 years on the throne of the Sokoto Caliphate.
The Sultan, who is also the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, marks the milestone on November 2, 2026, having ascended the throne on November 2, 2006.
Tinubu had earlier congratulated the monarch on his 70th birthday in August, describing his nearly two decades on the throne as a period defined by service, wisdom, scholarship, humility and commitment to peace.
In a personally signed statement, the President described the Sultan as a stabilising voice during difficult times, a bridge-builder across religious and ethnic communities and a moral guide whose influence extends beyond the Muslim community.
Tinubu said the monarch had consistently promoted peaceful coexistence, interfaith dialogue, education and humanitarian service through his leadership of the Sultanate.
He also commended the Sultan’s advocacy for the girl-child and the dignity of every Nigerian, noting that his interventions had helped encourage unity and understanding across the country.
The President further described the Sultan’s palace in Sokoto as a place for dialogue, saying the monarch had continued to offer counsel and reassurance during periods of national difficulty.
Tinubu acknowledged the Sultan’s contributions to nation-building, particularly in the areas of security, community development and the spiritual well-being of Nigerians.
He said he valued the monarch’s partnership with his administration and the support he had continued to provide towards strengthening national unity.
The President also prayed for the Sultan’s continued good health, wisdom and strength, expressing hope that his reign would remain a source of guidance and honour to the Sokoto Caliphate and Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has also congratulated the Sultan on the 20th anniversary of his ascension to the throne.
In a statement issued by the Senior Media Officer of the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni described the Sultan’s two decades of leadership as a period of dedication to peace, religious harmony and national unity.
Ogunwusi commended the monarch for promoting peaceful coexistence among Nigerians from different religious and ethnic backgrounds.
He also acknowledged the longstanding relationship between the traditional institutions of Ile-Ife and Sokoto, stressing the importance of cooperation among traditional rulers in promoting peace and stability.
The Ooni prayed for the Sultan’s continued good health, wisdom and strength, wishing him many more years of service to humanity and the nation.
The Sultan’s 20th anniversary marks two decades of leadership of the Sokoto Caliphate and his continued role as one of Nigeria’s prominent traditional and religious leaders.
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