Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
His Eminence, the Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has turbaned the Magajin Garin Sokoto, Ahmed Bello Danbaba, as a Senior Councillor in the Sultanate Council alongside 21 newly appointed District Heads in a move aimed at strengthening traditional leadership across the state.
The colourful ceremony, held at the Sultan’s Palace in Sokoto, attracted prominent traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, government officials and community leaders from various parts of the state.
The appointments were made to fill vacant district head positions in several communities and were approved by the Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce traditional governance at the grassroots level.
Among those honoured was Alhaji Ahmed Bello Danbaba, who was formally installed as Magajin Garin Sokoto and elevated as a Senior Councillor in the Sultanate Council, a position regarded as one of the most influential traditional titles in the Sultanate hierarchy.
Danbaba’s elevation is historically significant as he is a great-great grandson of the late Premier of the former Northern Region, Ahmadu Bello, whose legacy continues to shape Northern Nigeria’s political and cultural landscape.
He is also the eldest son of the late former Magajin Garin Sokoto and Senior Councillor, Hassan Danbaba, who died about three years ago in Kaduna after years of distinguished service to the Sultanate.
Speaking during the ceremony, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III urged the newly turbaned traditional rulers to exhibit compassion, honesty and dedication in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Sultan stressed that traditional rulers remain custodians of culture and heritage, adding that their leadership roles require wisdom, patience and fairness in resolving community issues.
“You must be just and fair to your people and ensure that peace and unity prevail in your respective domains,” the Sultan advised.
He further reminded them that loyalty to constituted authorities and cooperation with government institutions were essential for effective governance and development.
According to the Sultan, traditional leaders continue to play a crucial role in promoting stability, resolving disputes and supporting government initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of citizens.
He congratulated the newly turbaned officials for attaining what he described as an important milestone in their lives and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them.
The ceremony ended with special prayers for peace, unity and sustained development in Sokoto State and Nigeria as dignitaries and well-wishers celebrated the installation of the new traditional title holders.
