Sokoto the seat of the Caliphate was agog yesterday.
Eminent Nigerians converged on the town for the commemoration of Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar’s 20th anniversary on the exalted throne of the Sultanate.
As part of the celebration Sultan Abubakar turbaned 13 prominent sons of the soil and other personalities of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds from across the country for their services to humanity and national development.
The immediate past Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Prof. Is-haq Oloyede was turbaned the Kuliyan Sokoto; a former Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Dr. Peter Igho was turbaned Kakakin Sokoto; and Gandi Umar was installed the Sarkin Galmar Sarkin Musulmi.
Also turbaned were two indigenes Prof. Mansur Ibrahim of the Uthman Dan Fodiyyo University (UDUS) and Chief Imam of Abu Huraira Mosque who waa turbaned Danmasanin Sokoto and Alhaji Murtala Abdulkadir Dan Iya installed as Dallatun Sokoto.
Others with their titles include: Abdulkadir Jeli Bello as Sarkin Fulotin Sokoto; Abubakar Saddique Abubakar as Sarkin Dawakin Tsakar Gida Sokoto; Shehu Usman Abubakar as Fagacin Sokoto.
Bello Idris was turbaned as Wakilin Tarihin Daular Usmaniyya and Ibrahim Al-Mustapha Rabah as Bauran Sokoto and Aminu Isa Buhari was installed as Danmalikin Sokoto while Dr. Balarabe Kakale Shehu Shuni was installed as the Wakilin Makarantar Daular Usmaniyya and Abubakar Hussaini Bazza as the Sarkin Bai Sokoto.
Sultan Abubakar urged Nigerians to see themselves as a united family with different parents.
‘We are all on the same page. Let’s keep building on that for prosperity.
‘Having a united Nigeria is what we should always portray’ he said.
The revered leader described the unique and historic occasion as a step towards building a more loving and united course for Nigerians.
‘The new title holders are brought to help us not to do us favour in offloading the responsibilities shouldered on us.’
Accordingly Sultan Abubakar said it was a mark of trust honour and love shown to people across the world.
The religious leader took a turn to further explain the title of ‘Kuliyan Sokoto’ as one that promotes justice equity and fairness among equals.
He said Prof. Oloyede deserved the right title in the caliphate also stressing the significance of Peter Igho’s title of ‘Kakin Sokoto’.
Sultan Abubakar described Igho as a personality known all over the world for his strategic contributions to humanity.
‘You will bring good things closer to us from the outside world and make us amend what is bad for our unity and progress as a nation’ the Sultan stated.
He said the event marked a significant milestone in strengthening the beauty of unity love religious tolerance and brotherhood the caliphate has been known for.
The main investiture was also attended by House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajuddeen Sokoto State Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and business mogul Alhaji Ummarun Kwabo A. A.
The traditional durbar and traditional shaving ‘Bukin Aski’ were heralded as the new title holders queued in their numbers for the process.
Responding Prof. Oloyede thanked Allah for the honour and new responsibility which he described as a two-in-one: as a Muslim by faith and a Yoruba by birth from Egba.
According to him the title combines both sacred and mundane.
‘It’s a religious title by virtue of being given by the President of the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Sultan of Sokoto.
‘I will use the title genuinely for multiple rewards from Allah. It encompasses both traditional and corporate and is enough dignity for my person’ Oloyede said.
He expressed appreciation to the Sultan and thanked the Sokoto State government and people.
The former JAMB registrar acknowledged the show of love and brotherhood by Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his special message.
‘I will describe this new title as one given by Allah above all titles.
‘I aspire not to be given any title than what Allah has done to me. I am grateful to Him and pray that He will continue to guide me’ he said.