By Qudirat Hakeem-Apanpa
The Grand Chief Imam of Oyoland, Fodhilatu Shaykh Imam Bilaal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on his 20th anniversary on the throne.
In a congratulatory message issued from the Office of the Grand Chief Imam of Oyoland, Fodhilatu Shaykh Imam Bilaal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the Grand Chief Imam, on behalf of the Council of Imams and Alfas and the entire Muslim Ummah of Oyoland, described the Sultan’s two decades of leadership as purposeful, peaceful and exemplary.
He commended the Sultan for his contributions to unity in the Nigerian Muslim community, the promotion of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, and his commitment to defending the interests of Islam.
According to the statement, the Sultan has continued to provide fatherly leadership to the Nigerian Muslim Ummah through wisdom, humility and a commitment to justice.
The Grand Chief Imam also acknowledged the Sultan’s contributions to education, peacebuilding and the promotion of truth and justice, describing his reign as a blessing to the Muslim community and the country at large.
Citing Qur’an 4:58, which emphasises the importance of discharging entrusted responsibilities and administering justice, Imam Akeugberu expressed the hope that the Sultan would continue to exemplify the values of justice, fairness and responsible leadership.
He also drew attention to Qur’an 5:2, which encourages cooperation in righteousness and piety, praying that the Sultan’s leadership would continue to strengthen unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
The statement further offered prayers for the Sultan’s continued good health, long life, wisdom, strength and divine protection.
It expressed the hope that his reign would continue to bring blessings, unity, peace and progress to the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and the country.
The Grand Chief Imam concluded by praying that Almighty Allah would preserve the Sultan as a valuable asset to Islam and grant him the grace to continue serving the Muslim community and Nigeria.
