Siddiq Abubakar III was a Nigerian Muslim leader. He served as the sultan of Sokoto between 1938 and 1988, and he is the longest reigning sultan.
Life
Abubakar was born in Dange on 15 March 1903. A son of Usman Shehu Dan Muazu, he was a grandson of Mu'azu and, through him, a direct descendant of Usman Dan Fodio. Abubakar is a fourth generation heir to the two century-old throne founded by his ancestor, Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio leader of the Maliki school of Islam and the Qadiri branch of Sufism. Abubakar had Islamic Education. He held several administrative posts before succeeding his uncle, Hassan Ibn Muazu, at the age of 35. He was a district scribe in Dange between 1929 and 1931 and was appointed Saurdauna of Sokoto in February 1931. As Sardauna, he worked from Sokoto, taking part in the decision making process of the Sokoto Native Authority and supervising the prisons and police departments. His profile rose in Sokoto as his position made him accessible to the people but it also led to tensions between him and Sultan Musazu. In 1938, he was appointed a local authority Councillor of the Sokoto Native Administration, a community outside of the city. His ascension was made possible partly by the favorable impression residents of Sokoto had of Abubakar who was contesting the throne with other princes such as Ahmadu Rabbah and Ahmadu Isa of Gobir. The British interested in appointing a leader who had the trust of the people within the political structure of indirect rule suggested the name of Abubakar to the kingmakers. In June 17, he was crowned as Sultan of Sokoto. He distinguished himself by his administrative competence, the able way he dealt with appeals from traditional courts and his supervision of district and village heads. Abubakar played a significant role in dousing tensions in Sokoto after the assassination of Ahmadu Bello, regional premier who held the title of Sardauna of Sokoto, calming the nerves of people who wanted violent repercussions. In 1984, when another Sokoto son, Shehu Shagari was removed from power, Abubakar preached peace within the emirate council and in its relationship with the new administration. His court dedicated time and personnel to focus on the welfare and problems of his community, carrying on a cultural tradition espoused by Uthman Dan Fodio.
Legacy
He left behind 52 children and 320 direct grandchildren. He was made Knight of the British Empire in 1955. Sultan Abubakar III is best remembered by his compatriots as a religious leader who rose above the religious dissensions of his day and throughout his life played the role of peace-maker and father of all.
