Sultan: We’re One Family, Ethnicity Should Not Divide Us

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, has called on Nigerian Muslims to set aside ethnic and regional divisions in pursuit of peace, tolerance and national unity. In Ibadan, on Sunday, the Sultan emphasized the importance of remaining united in faith and practice, warning that ethnicity, family background and social status should never divide the Ummah or impede the nation's progress.

Addressing the 11th General Assembly of the Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN), the Sultan stressed that Muslims are one big family and should identify as such, irrespective of ethnic differences. He urged Muslims to make the teachings of Islam the cornerstone of their conduct and relations, asserting that piety and righteousness are the authentic markers of human worth.

The Sultan also cautioned Muslim leaders and organizations against allowing ethnic or regional ties to undermine their dedication to the Ummah's advancement. Dr Abdul Rauf Olawale Babalakin, Chairman of the MUSWEN Board of Trustees, stressed the significance of enhanced collaboration among Muslim groups in the South-West, citing education, technology and sustainable funding as crucial elements for the organization's expansion.

He urged Muslims to reject extremism and promote peaceful engagement, noting that a robust institutional framework would enable MUSWEN to accomplish its goals more effectively. Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, the outgoing MUSWEN President, outlined the organization's accomplishments under his leadership, including progress in property development, financial management, educational support and conflict resolution.

He added that his administration had focused on bolstering the organization's financial standing and establishing sustainable structures for future activities. Oladejo also announced plans to provide scholarships to 12 female medical students through the Sultan Abubakar Female Medical Student Scholarship Scheme. The new MUSWEN President, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti, pledged to build upon his predecessor's achievements and enhance the organization's role in education, healthcare, economic development and the empowerment of women and young people.

He also condemned insecurity issues such as banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and communal violence, calling for better intelligence-sharing and closer collaboration between security agencies and local communities.