Oyo:Islamic Cleric,Ademola Raji,backs Muric over alleged plot to dethrone Sultan of Sokoto

The Grand Chief Imam of Sepeteri land , Engr. Abdulhakeem Demola Raji, has expressed concerns over the alleged plot to depose the Sultan of Sokoto by the sitting Governor of the state,Ahmad Aliyu.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday,backed the release issued by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), described it as relevant and should be taken into consideration by relevant stakeholders to avert unforseen circumstances. 

Recall that ,The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) says there are “feelers” that the Sokoto state government is planning to dethrone Muhammad Abubakar as the Sultan of Sokoto.

MURIC asked Ahmad Aliyu, governor of Sokoto, to exercise restraint and not tamper with the traditional institution.

The Islamic group also cited the dethronement of 15 traditional rulers by the state governor in April 2024.

The statement reads:

MURIC’S OUTCRY, PRIVILEGED CALIPHATE AND THE PARADIGM SHIFT FROM THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF NECESSITY

I am not unaware of the debunk of the rumor of the possible dethronement of the Sultan of Sokoto by the Sokoto State Government that warranted the outcry of the most famous Muslims rights advocate group- MURIC.

MURIC’s outcry is relevant for three reasons: It wouldn’t be the first time a Sultan would be dethroned. Secondly. A wave of dethronements in Kano Emirate may instigate a band wagon effect in the seat of caliphate and lastly, Sokoto Caliphate is as relevant to Nigerian Muslims just as it is to the Northern Muslims.

That the Sokoto Caliphate leads the Nigerian Muslims is a privilege that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Sultan of Sokoto is not appointed by the Nigerian Muslims, neither by strict adherence to the principles laid down by sharia nor are the Muslims in the parts of Nigeria other than the North subjects of Northern rule. Chairmanship of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs was just conferred on whoever occupies the seat of Caliphate for unity of Nigerian Muslims and consistency of leadership.

MURIC’s outcry is relevant to the extent that it wouldn’t be allowed again that whatever affects the seat of Caliphate must affect Islamic leadership in Nigeria. The sultanate should be exempted from any political interference because it rules not only the traditional institution but also directs Islamic affairs of the entire nation.

MURIC’s outcry is a call to redefine the power of Sokoto State Government if the Caliphate would continue to be the custodian of Islamic leadership in Nigeria. It is a sensitization regarding the multiple roles of the Sultanate and its unique status among the Emirates. It is a sensitization that the seat of Chairmanship of Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs domiciled in the Sultanate is out of necessity and is not subjected to any alteration by the Government.

I hereby urge that MURIC’S outcry be seen as a warning of the imminent loss of the privilege of the hosting the leadership of Nigerian Muslims if Sokoto ever dare to tamper again with the Sultanate in a way that would affect islam in Nigeria in relation to its leadership.

Al Imam Engr. Abdulhakeem Demola Raji, MNSE, MNIEEE. 

The Grand Chief Imam of Sepeteri Land