The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on Nigerians to continue to live in harmony and maintain peaceful coexistence among themselves regardless of their religious differences.
He made the call during his private visit to the pioneer President of Muslim Ummah in Southwest Nigeria, Justice Tijani Bolarinwa Babalakin, in his own town, Gbongan, Osun state.
Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar said there was the need for people of the country to live in peace and harmony as one people.
The Muslims leader commended Babalakin for his contributions to the development of Islam and Nigeria.
“Justice Babalakin has paid his due and he has contributed his own quota to the development of Islam and Nigeria at large. Justice Babalakin is a true religious leader,” the Sultan said.
In his remarks, Justice Babalakin expressed joy over the visit by the Sultan and also lauded him for his leadership role in the country.
“I regard this visit as a great privilege. I pray fervently that the Almighty Allah will continue to guide you aright in the discharge of your onerous responsibilities.
“I want to specifically thank you for the great efforts you have made in uniting the Muslim Community in the whole of Nigeria. Your leadership in this area has been remarkable and must be appreciated.
“I am particularly happy that you managed to resolve an issue that had divided the Ummah for a long time which was the irregular celebration of Eid-il-Kabir. From time immemorial, we have been celebrating this festival on different dates. Since you came to the throne, we have been celebrating this event on the same day. This has enhanced the unity amongst the Muslim Community”, Babalakin said.
