Sultan Urges Traditional Rulers To Document their History

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on traditional rulers throughout the nation to record their own history, rather than allowing outsiders to misrepresent their heritage. He emphasized this sentiment during the unveiling of a book titled "Emirs of Zazzau: A Biographical Study from 1800-1925" at a ceremony in Zaria, marking the sixth anniversary of Emir Amb.

Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli's enthronement. The Sultan's commendation of the Emir's effort to document his emirate's history was described as crucial in preserving the cultural identity and legacy of the people. The Sultan stressed that traditional institutions possess a greater understanding of their own history and should therefore be the custodians of their stories.

He warned against allowing outsiders to write the histories of these communities, as this could lead to inaccurate portrayals. The Sultan referenced his own previous challenge to the Emir to document the history of the Sokoto Caliphate, noting his own publication of "Sultans of Sokoto" years earlier. He highlighted the significance of the Zazzau history book, as historians from the emirate's four dynasties were involved in its creation.

The Sultan further encouraged other regions to undertake similar documentation projects to safeguard their own histories for future generations. He cautioned against relying on media narratives that might distort the past, advocating for prayers for Nigerian leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors, emirs, and other traditional and political figures.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State praised the Emir's initiative, calling the book a vital contribution to the preservation of the emirate's history. He urged the Emir to remain patient and considerate, and to seek constructive advice for the emirate's development. The Sultan's support for this initiative was echoed by the Emir, who acknowledged the need to correct historical inaccuracies and to pass on a well-documented history to future generations.

The event drew the presence of high-profile figures including former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, government officials, traditional rulers, scholars, and historians.