Tinubu celebrates the Sultan of Sokoto’s 20th anniversary on the throne, praising his role in promoting religious harmony and national unity

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on the 20th anniversary of his ascension to the throne, praising his contributions to religious harmony, peacebuilding and national development.

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In a congratulatory letter personally signed on Monday, November 2, 2026, the President described the Sultan as a moral authority, a voice of moderation and a trusted counsellor to Nigerian leaders across generations.

Tinubu said the monarch’s two decades on the throne had strengthened the institution of the Sokoto Caliphate, while extending its influence as a platform for peace, unity and development.

“You have been more than a traditional ruler. You have been a moral authority, a bridge between faiths, a voice of moderation and a steady counsellor to leaders across the country,” the President wrote.

He particularly commended the Sultan’s leadership as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Co-Chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, noting his efforts to promote understanding between Christians and Muslims.

According to Tinubu, the monarch has consistently advocated religious tolerance and cooperation, helping to make Nigeria’s religious diversity a source of strength rather than division.

The President also acknowledged the Sultan’s contributions to peacebuilding in northern Nigeria and the wider Sahel region, as well as his advocacy for girl-child education, support for farmers and interventions on behalf of vulnerable members of society.

Tinubu, who described his relationship with the Sultan as valuable, said he appreciated the monarch’s spiritual and political counsel, which he characterised as honest and guided by the national interest.

“Your counsel has been honest, patriotic and always in Nigeria’s best interest. Thank you for your support and your prayers for our nation,” he added.

The President prayed for the Sultan’s continued good health, long life and wisdom, expressing hope that his reign would continue to promote peace in Sokoto and unity across Nigeria.

Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III ascended the throne on November 2, 2006, becoming the 20th Sultan of Sokoto following the death of his predecessor, Sultan Muhammadu Maccido.

Maccido died in the ADC Airlines Flight 053 crash on October 29, 2006, near Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The crash claimed 96 of the 105 people on board.

Before becoming Sultan, Abubakar served in the Nigerian Army, having been commissioned in 1974 after graduating from the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna.

His military career included command and staff appointments in Nigeria and service on United Nations peacekeeping missions abroad.

He retired in December 2006 with the rank of Brigadier-General.

Over his 20-year reign, the Sultan has been involved in peace advocacy relating to communal conflicts, farmer-herder tensions, the Boko Haram insurgency and religious disputes across parts of the country.

As head of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, he occupies a prominent position in the country’s Islamic leadership.

He also serves as Co-Chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, which provides a platform for dialogue between Christian and Muslim leaders.

His advocacy has also included promoting access to education for girls, particularly in communities where cultural and social barriers have historically limited opportunities for them.

The Sokoto Caliphate was established in 1804 by Islamic scholar and reformer Sheikh Usman dan Fodio.

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The Sultanate remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent traditional and religious institutions, with the Sultan serving as an influential figure among Muslims across the country.