By John Dike Osogbo
— hails Sultan’s contributions to religious harmony, national unity, peaceful coexistence
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, on the 20th anniversary of his ascension to the throne of the Sultanate of Sokoto.
The Ooni, who is the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), described the Sultan’s two decades on the throne as a remarkable period of purposeful leadership, dedication to national unity and promotion of peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
In a congratulatory message issued on Sunday, the Ife monarch commended the Sultan for his consistent advocacy for religious harmony, mutual understanding and peaceful relations among people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
The message was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Media Officer of the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare.
Ooni Ogunwusi, who is also the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), praised the Sultan’s contributions to national development, describing his leadership as an important voice in efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s unity and stability.
According to him, the Sultan has remained a symbol of wisdom, courage and responsible traditional leadership, using his highly respected position to promote dialogue, understanding and peaceful coexistence across the country.
The Ooni further acknowledged the longstanding relationship between the traditional institutions of Ile-Ife and Sokoto, stressing that the continued collaboration of traditional and religious leaders was essential to building a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria.
He noted that the country’s diversity should serve as a foundation for national strength, adding that traditional rulers and religious leaders had important roles to play in fostering mutual respect and addressing challenges capable of threatening national cohesion.
“As Your Eminence marks this historic milestone of 20 years on the throne, I join your family, the Sultanate Council, the government and good people of Sokoto State, as well as the entire Nigerian Muslim Ummah, in celebrating a life of purposeful leadership and outstanding service to humanity,” the Ooni said.
The foremost traditional ruler also prayed for continued good health, wisdom and strength for the Sultan, asking Almighty Olodumare to sustain him in his service to Nigeria and humanity.
He wished the Sultan many more fruitful years on the throne, expressing confidence that his commitment to peace, unity and national development would continue to inspire generations of Nigerians.
