The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has installed 20 new chiefs with traditional turbans.
He urged the title holders to remain committed to the course of strengthening the administrative roles and responsibilities of the Caliphate to humanity.
Sultan Abubakar, who presided over the traditional and cultural rites in order of the royal titles, noted that the event was historic as it retraced the footprints of the late Othman Ibn Fodiyo’s purposeful legacies.
He said: “It is not actualised or influenced by any political sentiment. It is done based on merits and conviction as brothers who were tested and trusted for their track records.
“The Caliphate will sustain the tempo by extending the honour beyond Sokoto in times to come.”
The Sultan stressed that Sokoto remains a true centre and hub for the unity of Nigerians, irrespective of their backgrounds.
Abubakar added: “It is our humble belief that the new titleholders would assist towards achieving a favourable and rewarding Ramadan in peace and benefit for Muslims. We keep attracting people closer to the Caliphate.”
Former Kogi State Governor Ibrahim Idris was the first to be installed as Jekadan Sakkwato in the presence of Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and other dignitaries at the event.
Other titleholders included three sons of the 18th Sultan of Sokoto, the late Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki.
They included a former lawmaker in the National Assembly and the serving Commissioner for Finance in the Tambuwal administration, Abdussamad Dasuki (Santurakin Sakkwato), Abubakar Dasuki (Dan Majen Sakkwato) and Alhaji Khadir Abba Dasuki (Durbin Sakkwato).
Also installed were former Minister of Sports, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman (Dan Amar Sakkwato), and Alhaji Musa Bashar, father to oil magnate, Abdulrahman Musa Bashar (Mayanan Sakkwato).
The event, the first of its kind in the history of the Caliphate, was accorded a special status as three historic gates, among others in the ancient city, were shut to ensure crowd control and smooth conduct of the installation, which observed COVID-19 protocols.
The gates to the Sultan’s palace included Kofar Taramniya, Kofar Marke and Kofar Rini, which were temporarily shut to vehicles, cyclists, among others.
Dasuki, who was decked in royal regalia, mounted a well-decorated horse and led his two brothers to the home of Miyatti Allah’s leader on Sultan Atiku/Gusau Road in the ancient town.
Credit: The Nation
