Siddiq Abubakar III

Who was Siddiq Abubakar III?

Sir Siddiq Abubakar III was a Nigerian Muslim leader. He served as the sultan of Sokoto between 1938 and 1988.

~Nigerian Muslim leader, Sultan of Sokoto. ~Born at Dange, on 15 March 1903, same day on which the British finally subdued the Sokoto Caliphate ~Son of Usman Shehu, grandson of Mu'azu, direct descendent of Usman Dan Fodio ~Had Islamic Education

~Held several administrative posts before succeeding his uncle, Hassan Ibn Muazu, at age of 35 ~1931, he was appointed a local authority councillor of the Sokoto Native Administration. ~Head of Talata Mafara ~He distinguished himself by his administrative competence and the able way he dealt with appeals from traditional courts and supervised district and village heads. ~Saurdauna of Sokoto until 17 June 1938, when he became Sultan Abubakar III ~As the 17th Sultan of Sokoto and Sarkin Musulmi, he became the most important Islamic personality south of the Sahara, and highly respected. ~Leader of 50 million adherents of the Islamic faith in West Africa.

~Although he did not occupy a visible political position in Nigeria, his de facto political influence was considerable and throughout his life he worked towards the promotion of Nigeria's unity, he used his decisive influence over public affairs for the political and social advancement of Nigeria as one nation.