In a decision not clearly known to be for or against Ibrahim Babangida’s ambition, Sokoto kingmakers have picked a serving soldier to be the next Sultan. He is Col. Mohammed Sa’id Abubakar. It is a stunning blow to the deposed Sultan, Ibrahim Dasuki, who jostled to return, following the death of his arch-rival, Sultan Muhammadu Maccido. The new Sultan is from the Maccido family.
Significantly, many kingship stools since Obasanjo became Nigeria’s civilian president in 1999, have been filled by military officers. It would be recalled that in Minna, Abeokuta and Gwandu, former military officers have been favoured ahead of others to occupy the kingship stools of their various communities. Also in Lagos, the king is a retired police officer. It is in fact, a reflection of the growing apetite of Nigeria's military officers for all kinds of power - in business, politics and now, royalty.
Babangida's men, led by Governor Attahiru Bafarawa, are now in control of Sokoto State. But it appears the appointment was taken over by the Federal Government, which has recently begun to show some dislike for Babangida's presidential ambition. , Tilting the contest for the throne of Sardauna in favour of Babangida's man, the deposed Sultan, Ibrahim Dasuki, became almost impossible for the state governor.
He is of the same ruling house with the late Sultan Maccido and this indicates that the Dasuki ruling house has been sidelined once again. The new Sultan, a serviceman, is said to be very humble and unassuming, and Sokoto people are generally happy with his choice as Sultan. Political tendencies in Sokoto State have always influenced who becomes the Sultan.
Col Abubakar had been serving as Nigeria's military attache to Pakistan.
Like all sultans, Col Abubakar is descended from Uthman Dan Fodio, who led a 19th Century jihad to spread Islam across northern Nigeria.
Col Abubakar, who has also served with West Africa's peacekeeping force in Sierra Leone, was top of the list and so the governor was expected to select him.
The late Sultan Maccido provided a major obstacle to Babangida's presidential ambition in the core north where the influence of the Sultan is widespread. Maccido, having been once cheated out of power in 1988 by Babangida and Dasuki, remained a foe until his death.
