The late Sultan of Sokoto, Ibrahim Dasuki, has been granted official pardon by the Sokoto State Government and cleared of any wrongdoing.
Twenty-seven years ago, the traditional ruler was accused of insubordination by the military regime of late General Sani Abacha. In 1996, Dasuki was deposed after he was called into the office of the then military administrator of Sokoto State, Yakubu Muazu. He was first taken to Yola and later sent on exile.
According to Muazu, the Sultan was deposed because he was too modern and independent-minded. He was alleged to have ignored government directives and often travelled outside his domain without approval or notice from the government.
However, beyond Muazu’s explanation, most people believed there was more to his removal which was not stated. The Sultan had personal issues with the then military Head of State. Abacha and Dasuki’s son in law, Aliyu, were classmates and business partners. But Aliyu unfortunately died in 1992 and his business was handed over to the Sultan.
After taking over the business, the Sultan asked Abacha to produce evidence of payment of any claims, since he was the one handling Aliyu’s business. Abacha was not obviously comfortable with such a decision as a partner. He subsequently became very hostile toward Dasuki and plotted against his downfall. The hostility led to the Sultan’s removal and forceful exile.
The Sultan’s entitlements and salary were withheld, including the ones he was supposed to have received before he was deposed.
In a twist of fate, the Sokoto State Government exonerated the late Dasuki of wrongdoings and ordered all accumulated benefits to be paid to his family.
The immediate past Governor of the state, Aminu Tambuwal, had ordered an investigation into the late Sultan’s case and it was discovered that there was no evidence to support any incriminating acts that would justify his deposition. The committee further highlighted that the Sultan was denied the right to defend himself as required by the laws of the land. The findings of the committee made the former governor exonerate him of any wrong.
This development came 27 years after the unfortunate event took place and seven years after the death of the Sultan.
