The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sultan Muhammad Sa'adu Abubakar, created a light-hearted moment at the Presidential Villa when he humorously referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's aide-de-camp as a 'village chief.' The incident occurred during the traditional ruler's visit to the President on Friday, November 7, 2025.
The Viral Moment That Captured National Attention
In a trending video shared on X by Nigerian Affairs Journal @NigAffairs, the Sultan could be seen shaking hands with President Tinubu while making the playful comment about Lieutenant Colonel Nurudeen Yusuf. The moment quickly gained traction across social media platforms, with many Nigerians sharing their reactions to the royal leader's unexpected humor.
The Sultan's visit to President Tinubu was confirmed by Olusegun Dada, Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, who described it as part of wider consultations with religious and traditional leaders. This meeting came just days after President Tinubu had met with Bishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, the Archbishop of Abuja, signaling ongoing dialogues with key community figures.
Behind the 'Village Chief' Remark: Royal Connections
The Sultan's joke carried more significance than initially apparent, as Lieutenant Colonel Nurudeen Yusuf is indeed set to become a traditional ruler. According to reports, Tinubu's ADC was chosen by kingmakers to be crowned as the Elemona of Ilemona land in Kwara State following the death of his father, Oba Omokanye Oyekanmi, who previously held the throne.
The succession plan involves Yusuf appointing a regent to manage the throne until he retires from military service. However, this transition hasn't been without controversy, as royal families from the Shittu ruling house have rejected his appointment. Prince Afeez Adewale has publicly stated that the selection process violates traditional protocols and that it's not Yusuf's turn since his late father was the immediate past king.
Mixed Reactions from Nigerians
The Sultan's visit and the subsequent viral moment sparked diverse reactions from Nigerians on social media. Some users questioned the purpose of the meeting, with @OkahEwahEdede asking if the discussion focused on 'how to destroy the terrorists and stop the wanton killings in Nigeria.'
Other comments reflected broader concerns about security challenges in the country. @DrDoGood9 noted that 'Nigeria's insecurity problems require kinetic not diplomatic approach,' while @gbemiga81 suggested the Sultan should 'meet with service chiefs instead and give them target to end terrorism.'
Despite the opposition from some royal family members, Kwara State authorities have confirmed that Lieutenant Colonel Yusuf will be installed as the new king. Hon. Abdullahi Abubakar Bata, the state commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, has shared details about the upcoming coronation.
The convergence of military service, traditional rulership, and national politics in this single incident highlights the complex interplay between Nigeria's modern governance structures and its deep-rooted traditional systems.
