Sultan Abubakar III: A Voice Against Violence and Extremism

Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III of Sokoto celebrated his 70th birthday on August 24 and will mark his 20th year on the throne on November 2. His reign has been characterized by a strong stance against violence and extremism, particularly in the context of Nigeria's ongoing ethnic tensions.

Following his 65th birthday in 2021, he publicly criticized the deteriorating situation in the country, asserting that religious leaders must hold accountable those who incite violence. He condemned the actions of Boko Haram and similar groups, stating that they would face dire consequences in the afterlife.

His leadership was further tested after the murder of a student over blasphemy allegations, where he demanded justice for the victim. As co-chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, he has worked to foster interfaith dialogue and combat religious intolerance, making significant contributions to social cohesion in Nigeria.