Sultan of Sokoto Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III turns 70

Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, recently celebrated his 70th birthday. Approaching his 20th year on the throne this November, the Sultan has been noted for his active role in promoting inter-faith unity and addressing religious extremism in Nigeria.

As co-chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, Abubakar III has worked to repair religious bonds and combat intolerance. He has been vocal in his criticism of violence, stating that religious leaders, traditional rulers, and politicians who incite violence should face legal consequences. He has specifically condemned groups like Boko Haram, rejecting their claims of religious justification for violence.