The Ogun Muslim Council (OMC) has dismissed the rumored death of Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.
In a statement signed by former National President of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) and Secretary General of the Ogun Muslim Council (OMC), Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde, Esq., the report was branded as a malicious plot and a wicked attempt to destabilize Islamic leadership in Nigeria.
The baseless rumor, which originated on social media, claimed the Sultan passed away in his London apartment after receiving treatment for an infection. However, Sultan was attending a crucial meeting in Kaduna at the time of the false report.
Speaking on the instruction of the Sultan, Akintunde said: “The Sultan himself debunked the rumour, stating, “I’m in Kaduna, and in a meeting now.”
The statement reads, “In a reprehensible display of malice, detractors and enemies of Islam have stooped to spreading false reports of the demise of His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA). This wicked act will not be tolerated.
“We urge the public to disregard this wicked rumor and beware of the antics of mischief makers seeking to cause unnecessary tension and panic,” Akintunde stated.
“As the Holy Quran reminds us, “And with Allah is the determination of life and death.” (Surah Al-Jathiyah, 45:4). Only Allah (SWT) has the power to give and take life.
In Al-Imran 3:156, so Allah makes that [misconception] a regret within their hearts. And it is Allah who gives life and causes death, and Allah is Seeing of what you do.
“These mischief makers are attempting to usurp God’s authority and play God.
Their sinister intentions will not succeed. The Sultan’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace, unity, and Islamic values in Nigeria will continue unabated.
We condemn this heinous act and warn those responsible,” he said
He added that the sultan urged all Muslims in the country to remain calm, trust in Allah and be resolute against these forces of darkness.
Akintunde said the the mischief and deception of evil forces will not wither down the loyalty and support of the Muslims to their amiable leaders, adding We as believers will not be shaken by the machinations of the wicked and evil forces; we reaffirm our loyalty and support for our leader, praying Allah continue to grant him long life and sound health to carry on his leadership role to all Muslims.
“And certainly, Allah is with those who patiently persevere.” (Surah Al-Anfal, 8:46)
His Eminence’s selfless service to Islam and Nigeria will not be deterred by these cowardly attempts,” Akintunde said.
Islamic leaders and organizations across Nigeria have condemned the false report, labeling it a desperate attempt to undermine the Sultan’s leadership and create chaos within the Muslim community.
