On Monday, Nigerian mainstream and social media as well as conversation points especially among Muslims in the North was abuzz with rumours regarding the potential deposition of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, by the Sokoto State Government.
The rumour sparked widespread discussions across news outlets and social media platforms, reflecting its role in the Nigerian religious and socio-political landscape.
The Rumuor Origins and Spread
The primary source of the rumour could not be ascertained, but it has been circulating since Governor Aliyu removed 15 traditional rulers for various offences.
The State Executive Council also proposed a bill seeking to reduce the powers of the Sultan to halt him from appointing or removing District Heads, according to Hausa BBC.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) took the rumour seriously, and reactions trailed. In a statement by its Executive Director, Prof. Isiaq Akintola on Monday warned against the move. “Nigerian Muslims reject any thought of deposing the Sultan. Feelers in circulation indicate that the governor may descend on the Sultan of Sokoto any moment from now using any of the flimsy excuses used to dethrone the 15 traditional rulers whom he removed earlier.”
Akintola urged the Sokoto State House of Assembly to amend chieftaincy laws to exempt the Sultan, emphasizing the need for immediate intervention by Northern elites and Islamic scholars.
The Sokoto State government on Tuesday denied the allegations by MURIC. Reacting to the allegation, the state Commissioner for Information and Societal Reorientation, Hon. Sambo Bello Danchadi, stated that the state government has no plans to dethrone the revered monarch, dismissing MURIC’s claims as false and baseless.
Sambo clarified that the laws governing the appointment and deposition of traditional rulers in the state remain unchanged and have not been repealed.
Media Response and Political Reactions
Mainstream media outlets such as Punch, Vanguard with several other online news platforms published the MURIC’s warning.
Political figures and analysts have also weighed in on the matter. Some have expressed scepticism, suggesting that the rumours might be a tactic employed by political adversaries to destabilize the region or undermine the authority of the Sultanate. Others have warned that any attempt to depose the Sultan could lead to significant unrest, given the Sultan’s influence and the deep respect he commands among the Muslim population in Northern Nigeria.
Responding to the alleged plan, Vice President Kashim Shettima at the North West Peace and Security Summit held on Monday in Katsina, urged the government of Sokoto State to jealousy guard the Sultan.
Sultan Encourages Muslim Ummah to Pursue Knowledge, Faith Strengthening
“And to the Deputy Governor of Sokoto, I have a simple message for you, Yes, the Sultan is the Sultan of Sokoto, but he is much more than that; he represents an idea, he is an Institution, that all of us in this country need to jealousy guard, protect, promote, preserve and project for the growth of our nation,” the Vice President partly said.
Social Media Trends
On social media, opinions are mostly opposing the alleged move as several posts show condemnation of the rumoured plans, particularly supporting VP Shettima’s stance.
MS Ingawa, an X user wrote “I am 100% with Kashim. The Sultanate is beyond traditional institution, it’s our symbol. We will not forgive any attempt to temper with it.”
The Sultanate’s Historical and Cultural Significance
The Sultan of Sokoto holds a paramount position in Nigeria’s traditional and Islamic milieu. As the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims and the head of the Sokoto Caliphate, the Sultan wields considerable religious and cultural influence.
The role has historically been one of mediation and guidance, bridging the gap between the Muslim populace and government or other institutions, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
As of now, the Sokoto State Government has denied the rumours but analysts suggest several possible frosty relationships between the state and the sultanate council.
Others suggest that any move to depose prominent personalities like the Sultan must be approached with caution, ensuring that it does not ignite further tensions or unrest in an already complex socio-political landscape such as Northern Nigeria.
