The Sokoto State Government has refuted allegations made by the Muslim Rights Council (MURIC) that it is engaged in a plot to remove the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III. The Commissioner for Information and Societal Reorientation, Hon. Sambo Bello Danchadi, responded to the accusations on Tuesday.
Danchadi clarified that the state government has no intentions whatsoever to depose the highly respected monarch, and the existing laws governing the appointment and removal of traditional rulers in the state remain unchanged. He emphasized that the government holds the institution of the Sultanate in great reverence, both within Sokoto State and throughout Nigeria, and has no plans to interfere with it.
Following MURIC’s Executive Director, Prof. Isiaq Akintola, raising concerns on Monday, alleging a plot to depose the Sultan of Sokoto, the Sokoto State Government has now issued a denial. Akintola had cited the recent removal of 15 traditional rulers in the state as a possible precursor to the alleged plot against the Sultan. He warned that any hostile action towards the Sultan would face resistance from the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria, who consider the Sultan as their spiritual leader. MURIC expressed apprehension regarding the strained relationship between the state government and the Sultan.
They emphasized that the Sultan holds not only a traditional position but also a religious one, as he heads the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. Vice President Kasheem Shettima also commented on the matter, emphasizing the need to protect the institution of the Sultanate. He described it as a revered and sacred position that should be safeguarded by all Muslims.
 that it is engaged in a plot to remove the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.){kind=link}