By Hadi Sani, (PhD in View)
His Eminence, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto’s leadership continues to transcend the traditional boundaries of royalty, becoming a vital force for unity, peace, and global understanding.
What distinguishes the Sultan is not merely his position as the spiritual head of Nigeria’s Muslims or his revered place within the Sokoto Caliphate, but his strategic use of influence, not to divide or dominate, but to unite and uplift.
His wisdom and deep understanding of Nigeria’s complex cultural and religious fabric make him a stabilizing figure in national discourse.
At the recently concluded two-day summit hosted by the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) in Oxford, England, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar once again embodied this role on the global stage.
The summit, which marked the 40th anniversary of the Centre’s establishment, brought together prominent Muslim world leaders and scholars to discuss the intersection of faith, global challenges, and the future of Islamic scholarship.
In his address, the Sultan reaffirmed the foundational principles of Islam as a religion of peace.
He emphasized that the world especially Africa must embrace dialogue and coexistence as essential tools for social harmony. His words, rooted in spiritual clarity and diplomatic grace.
The Sultan continues to serve as a critical bridge between ethnicities, religious divides, and social classes. His interventions in national crises are often guided by a steady hand, favoring conciliation over confrontation.
He engages not just with rulers, clerics, and policymakers, but with the people at the grassroots, embodying the principle that true leadership serves all, not just the elite.
In an age when loud voices often drown out reason, the Sultan remains a quiet force for unity. His advocacy for education, dialogue, and national development is not only commendable but essential.
As Nigeria and the broader Muslim world grapple with the challenges of extremism, poverty, and polarization, leaders like Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar offer a path grounded in wisdom, tradition, and foresight.
Ultimately, the Sultan of Sokoto is more than a traditional ruler, he is a living institution, a national treasure, and a true symbol of what is possible when leadership is anchored in service, dignity, and vision.
Hadi Sani (Ph.D in View)
Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Inter-Ethnic Affairs.
