Nigerians Will Reject Sultan of Sokoto’s Removal – Mayor Akpodoro 

The Mayor of Urhoboland and prominent ex-militant leader in the Niger Delta region, Eshanekpe Israel a.k.a Akpodoro, has called on the Governor of Sokoto State,  Ahmed Aliyu to perish the thought of dethroning the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’adu Abubakar, insisting that Nigerians will reject any thought of deposing the Sultan, as it is capable of leading to nationwide radical protests because the jurisdiction of Sultan’s stool transcends the state he governs.

This call was made in a statement issued to journalists on monday in his Ughelli country home, where he wondered why the governor, who lives under the advantages of continuous sacrifices being made by high-ranking traditional rulers like the Sultan to the growth and development of the nation after a meritorious career in the Nigerian Army, would attempt such plan capable of bringing crisis.

He said “The Governor, if he’s planning such, would be assaulting the custodian of the culture, tradition, and religion of the people.”

While describing His Eminence as an institution that must not be desecrated by anyone no matter how big or small, Major Akpodoro said:

“In a country where the people are facing the daunting challenges associated with an economy under progressive reformation, it is an affront to common sense for a governor to engage in such a move to the extent of planning to remove an exalted traditional ruler from the throne of his forefathers on flimsy excuses.

The mayor stated that the planned removal of the Sultan was badly conceived, and ill-motivated, adding that such a move would be resisted by all peace lovers in the country.

“A religious leader of repute and the head of the Muslim Ummah, His Eminence Abubakar deserves respect and honour from Governor Aliyu,” the statement said, adding, “Governor Aliyu had deposed 15 traditional rulers on April 23, 2024; barely two months later, the despotic governor in a grotesque and desperate manner wants to dethrone the leader of Islamic faith in the country – what a gut?”

Mayor Akpodoro, who is a Patron of the Maritime Security Agency, MASECA, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Agimor Group, said, “Without fear or trepidation, I unequivocally call on that governor to desist from an action that could jeopardise the fragile peace in the North Western region of the country.”