The family of the late Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Maccido, has called on Nigerian leaders to embrace dialogue, accountability and religious tolerance amid persistent insecurity, communal tensions and threats to national unity.
The appeal comes ahead of the 20th anniversary of Maccido’s death in the October 29, 2006, crash of ADC Airlines Flight 053 in Abuja, which claimed 96 lives, including the Sultan, his son, Senator Badamasi Maccido, and his grandson.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Bello Maccido, the family said the late monarch’s leadership philosophy remained relevant as Nigeria confronted mounting security and social challenges.
“At a time when our nation faces serious security and social challenges, the ideals our father stood for remain as relevant as ever,” the family said.
Maccido, who became the 19th Sultan of Sokoto in April 1996, was widely associated with consultation, moderation, national unity and service to humanity. He also served as president-general of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, playing a prominent role in the country’s Islamic leadership.
Born in 1926 in Dange, Sokoto State, Maccido was a son of Sultan Abubakar III and a descendant of Sheikh Usman dan Fodio. Before ascending the throne, he served in public administration, including as Presidential Liaison Officer in Sokoto State.
The family recalled that his reign featured support for interfaith dialogue, education, public health and campaigns against polio and HIV/AIDS, reflecting his belief that traditional institutions should contribute actively to national development.
It also cited former President Shehu Shagari’s description of Maccido as a patient and consultative leader who preferred dialogue to confrontation.
“He does not rush or dictate things,” Shagari was quoted as saying.
The Sultan died when an ADC Airlines Boeing 737 crashed shortly after taking off from Abuja on October 29, 2006. He had travelled to the capital to attend a Presidential Forum on Education.
The disaster claimed the lives of several other passengers and crew, leaving families and communities to mourn the victims. The 20th anniversary is expected to provide an opportunity to remember those who died and reflect on the lessons of the tragedy.
The Maccido family urged Nigerians to sustain the late Sultan’s legacy by promoting peaceful coexistence, justice, religious tolerance and national cohesion.
It also called for stronger aviation safety measures and greater regulatory accountability to prevent similar disasters.
“Let this twentieth remembrance be more than an occasion for mourning,” the family said, urging citizens and leaders to work towards the peaceful, just and united society the late monarch championed.
