The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Monday, November 2, 2026, marked 20 years on the throne, attracting congratulatory messages from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, political leaders, religious organisations and prominent Nigerians.
President Tinubu, in a congratulatory message personally signed on Monday, described the Sultan as a respected traditional ruler, moral authority, bridge between faiths and a dependable counsellor to leaders across the country.
The President commended the monarch for his contributions to national unity, religious harmony and peaceful coexistence, noting that his two decades on the throne had strengthened the historical institution of the Sokoto Caliphate and expanded its relevance in promoting national development.
According to Tinubu, the Sultan’s leadership has been characterised by wisdom, humility, courage and an unwavering commitment to Nigeria.
He particularly acknowledged the monarch’s role as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Co-Chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, describing his interventions in fostering understanding between Christians and Muslims as significant to national stability.
Tinubu also highlighted the Sultan’s advocacy for peace in northern Nigeria and across the Sahel, as well as his commitment to girl-child education, support for farmers, public health initiatives and humanitarian assistance to disadvantaged Nigerians.
The President further acknowledged the Sultan’s personal friendship and counsel, describing his advice as honest, patriotic and consistently guided by Nigeria’s best interests.
He prayed for the monarch’s continued good health, long life and wisdom, expressing hope that his reign would continue to bring peace to Sokoto, unity to Nigeria and honour to the Muslim Ummah.
Other prominent Nigerians have also joined the celebrations.
Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, congratulated the Sultan, praising his humility, commitment to education, humanitarian service and consistent efforts towards religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Similarly, House of Representatives member, Jafar Chiroma, representing Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency of Taraba State, commended the monarch’s contributions to national unity, interfaith relations and the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
The anniversary celebrations also featured traditional, religious and humanitarian activities in Sokoto State.
Among the activities were the conferment of traditional titles on 13 prominent Nigerians, the unveiling of a book examining the legacy of Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio and his flagbearers, humanitarian support for more than 500 hospital patients and financial assistance towards securing the release of 56 inmates.
The Sultan ascended the throne on November 2, 2006, following the death of his predecessor, Sultan Muhammadu Maccido, who died in the October 29, 2006, ADC Airlines Flight 53 crash.
Born on August 24, 1956, Sa’ad Abubakar is the 20th Sultan of Sokoto. Before becoming the traditional ruler, he served in the Nigerian Army, where he rose to the rank of Brigadier-General before retiring in December 2006.
His military career included command and staff responsibilities in Nigeria and participation in international peacekeeping operations.
Twenty years after his emergence as Sultan, Abubakar remains an influential voice in Nigeria’s traditional and religious institutions, with his leadership continuing to attract national attention, particularly on matters of peace, security, religious tolerance and social development.
