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By Oscar Okhifo
The Sultanate Council of Sokoto has denied a viral report claiming that the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, fled Nigeria in the aftermath of alleged United States airstrikes, describing the claim as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Aminu Haliru Gidadawa, the council urged the public to disregard the report, stressing that it was entirely false and unfounded.
It clarified that the Sultan neither fled the country nor went into hiding, noting that the monarch was in Maiduguri, Borno State, on an official engagement when the rumour began circulating.
The council explained that the Sultan was in Maiduguri to attend a 2026 cultural summit themed “Echoes of Resilience: Harnessing Culture for Peace and Regional Stability,” held at Ramat Square in the Borno State capital.
While speaking at the summit, the Sultan commended Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for his leadership and resilience in the face of security challenges.
“I congratulate Governor Zulum for his very glaring achievements in bringing peace and development to the state, despite numerous challenges,” the Sultan was quoted as saying.
He also expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded him, adding, “I also thank him for his usual hospitality and wish him the best in all his endeavours.”
Explaining the significance of his presence at the event, the Sultan said it was a reflection of the long-standing historical relationship between the two traditional institutions.
“My attendance was out of brotherhood and solidarity that existed for centuries between the Sokoto Caliphate and Kanem-Bornu Empire, despite cultural diversity that the two states harness as their source of strength and unity,” he said.
The Sultan further acknowledged the support of the Shehu of Borno, noting their joint leadership of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, and the Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria.
He also expressed gratitude to foreign dignitaries from Chad, Niger, Cameroon, Benin, Ghana, and Saudi Arabia who attended the summit, wishing them safe journeys home.
In their remarks, Governor Zulum and the Shehu of Borno commended the Sultan for attending the event, describing the summit as a platform to strengthen peace, unity, and regional stability through culture.
The Sultanate Council reiterated its warning against spreading unverified information, urging the public to rely on credible sources, particularly regarding traditional institutions and national security matters.