The Humanitarian Times

By Abdulkareem Haruna

SOKOTO — The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has issued a stern charge to 15 newly turbaned traditional title holders, demanding a commitment to honesty, accountability, and selfless service as they assume their new roles within the Sultanate.

The Sultan, who also serves as the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), delivered the mandate during a turbaning ceremony held at his palace on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

Beyond the ceremonial elevation, the monarch utilized the platform to emphasize the burden of stewardship, specifically tasking the new appointees with the moral duty of speaking truth to power. He underscored that the responsibility of a title holder extends to providing critical guidance to leadership, regardless of the status of the leader.

“Always tell us the truth. Whenever we go astray, help bring us back on the right path because that is part of your responsibility,” the Sultan told the appointees.

The monarch further highlighted the need for transparency in governance within the Sultanate. He noted that while leadership remains firm in its decisions, there is a reciprocal duty to remain accountable to those they govern. “If you insist and we do not retreat from a mission, we will explain the reasons behind our decision,” he stated.

Describing the new title holders as ambassadors of the Sultanate, the Sultan charged them to prioritize the welfare of the people above personal interests, characterizing their appointments as a call to selfless service rather than a pursuit of prestige.

The New Appointees

The ceremony saw the turbaning of 15 individuals into various traditional positions, including:

• Umaru S. Abubakar III – Sarkin Arewan Sokoto
• Alhaji Haliru S. Abubakar III – Janjunan Sokoto
• Alhaji Ya’u Aliyu – Dikkon Sokoto
• Alhaji Aliyu Suleiman – Bunun Sokoto
• Mu’azu Bello Maiwurno – Wakilin Ayukkan Daular Usmaniyyah
• Ahmad Rufa’i Na Dange – Sarkin Tsabta
• Alhaji Abdullahi Dan Azumi – Barayan Sarkin Musulmi
• Bello Ibrahim Gusau – Sarkin Malammai
• Abbas Abba Aminu – Sarkin Shariffai
• Almustafa Mazuga – Mazugan Sarkin Musulmi
• Ubangari – Zagin Sarkin Musulmi
• Nura Umar – Dangaladiman Zagin Sarkin Musulmi
• Alhaji Kabiru Maibulo – Sarkin Tamburra
• Usman Abdullahi Mustafa – Muhtasibin Sokoto
• Alhaji Shehu Zubairu Tela – Danmalikin Sokoto

Dignitaries in Attendance

The event was marked by the presence of high-profile guests, signaling the significance of the traditional appointments. Notable attendees included the representative of the Sokoto State Governor and Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Dadi Adare.
Also in attendance were representatives of the Emirs of Gwandu and Argungu, esteemed members of the Sultanate Council, traditional kingmakers, and various other prominent personalities from across the state.
How would you like to explore the impact of these new appointments on the local governance structure in Sokoto?