President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on the 20th anniversary of his ascension to the throne, describing him as a bridge between faiths, a voice of moderation and a trusted counsellor to leaders across Nigeria.
In a nine-paragraph tribute issued on Monday, the President praised the Sultan’s leadership, wisdom and commitment to peace, religious harmony and national development.
Tinubu described the monarch as a leader and friend whose influence had extended beyond the traditional institution to national affairs and interfaith relations.
Addressing the Sultan as his “Dear Leader and Esteemed Brother”, the President said he was joining millions of Nigerians and friends of the monarch at home and abroad to celebrate two decades of his reign as the 20th Sultan of Sokoto.
“Twenty years ago, you ascended the throne with humility, courage, and a profound sense of duty. In the two decades since, you have not only preserved the glorious heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate; you have enriched it, redefined it, and made it a formidable instrument for peace, unity, and national development,” Tinubu said.
The President commended the Sultan’s ability to provide guidance during periods of tension, noting his consistent commitment to Nigeria’s unity and stability.
“Your uncommon wisdom, your calm in moments of tension, and your unwavering commitment to Nigeria have always struck me. 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,” he added.
Tinubu praises Sultan’s role in promoting religious harmony
The President also highlighted the Sultan’s contributions as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Co-Chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council.
He said the monarch had consistently advocated religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims.
According to Tinubu, the Sultan’s leadership had helped create common ground among different religious communities, turning Nigeria’s diversity into a source of strength rather than division.
The President further praised his advocacy for peace in northern Nigeria and across the Sahel, as well as his commitment to education, particularly for the girl-child.
He also acknowledged the Sultan’s support for farmers, public health initiatives and interventions aimed at assisting poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
President celebrates personal relationship with Sultan
Tinubu described his relationship with the Sultan as one he deeply valued, saying the monarch’s counsel had always been honest, patriotic and guided by Nigeria’s national interest.
“Personally, I value our friendship deeply. Your counsel has been honest, patriotic, and always in Nigeria’s best interest. Thank you for your support and your prayers for our nation,” the President said.
He prayed that Almighty Allah would continue to grant the Sultan good health, long life and renewed wisdom, while expressing hope that his reign would continue to promote peace in Sokoto, unity across Nigeria and honour within the Muslim community.
“May your reign continue to bring peace to Sokoto, unity to Nigeria, and honour to the Ummah. Congratulations, Your Eminence,” Tinubu said.
The Sultan ascended the throne in November 2006, succeeding his brother, Sultan Muhammadu Maccido, who died in an air crash in October of that year.
