Stop Cursing Wicked Leaders; Sultan Warns Nigerians
The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on Nigerians not to curse their leaders but offer prayers for them, even in difficult circumstances.
Speaking during a public lecture and special book presentation at the University of Ilorin on Thursday, the Sultan emphasized the importance of seeking divine guidance for leaders rather than cursing them, regardless of their perceived shortcomings.
The event was held in honor of Professor Is’haq Oloyede, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), who turned 70 on Wednesday and officially retired from his role at the University of Ilorin.
Two books celebrating Oloyede were launched at the occasion: Islamics, Scholarship, and Service to Society, A Festschrift for Is-haq Olarewaju Oloyede and Glimpses into the Giant: A Tapestry of Tributes to Prof. Is-haq Oloyede at 70.
The programme was organized by the KU8+ Consortium of Universities in Kwara State, where Oloyede serves as Director of the Board of Trustees.
In his remarks, the Sultan urged Nigerians to adopt a culture of prayer and positivity toward their leaders. “Don’t curse your leaders, no matter how bad they may be, but pray for them. Never talk ill of your leaders. Even if a leader is bad, pray for him. If you pray for him/her, Almighty Allah can make him/her turn a new leaf and become a better person that you will enjoy. Don’t condemn your leaders. No matter how bad they are, pray for them,” the Sultan advised.
The Sultan also conferred the honorary title of Kuliya of Sokoto on Oloyede, expressing his happiness at being in Ilorin. “Whenever I come to Ilorin, I always feel so much joy. I first visited Ilorin in 1984 as an Army Captain. We thank Allah for Professor Oloyede’s life and pray that Allah continues to guide and protect him. Though he is retiring from the university, he will remain valuable to Nigeria and humanity,” he said.
The monarch further praised Oloyede’s contributions, noting that the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, had also honored legal luminary Mallam Yusuf Ali (SAN) with the title of Kuliya in the Ilorin Emirate. “Oloyede and Ali are close associates with many things in common. I hereby confer on Oloyede the title of Kuliya of Sokoto. I will send the official letter of appointment as soon as I return to Sokoto,” the Sultan added
