The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, made an appeal to Nigerians on Thursday, urging them to pray for their leaders, even in challenging circumstances. Speaking at a Public Lecture and Special Book Presentation in honor of Professor Is’haq Oloyede at the University of Ilorin, the Sultan emphasized the importance of supporting leaders with prayers rather than condemnation.
The Sultan, while addressing the audience, advised Nigerians to avoid cursing their leaders, regardless of their perceived faults, and instead, pray for them to improve. He expressed optimism that prayers could inspire positive changes in leadership.
He said, “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. Almighty God can make him turn a new leaf and become a better person that you will enjoy.”
The event celebrated Professor Oloyede, who recently turned 70 and retired from the University of Ilorin. Oloyede, who continues to serve as the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), was honored with two books titled “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, where Oloyede serves as Director of the Board of Trustees.