By Yusuf Dingyadi
I have lost a loved one, an elder, and a man who understood dignity and respected relationships according to the level of closeness.
Towards the end of his life, the Late Sardaunan Sokoto devoted himself to seeking forgiveness, private acts of worship, and helping the community without seeking any reward, except for the acceptance and mercy of Allah (SWT).
I came to know the Late Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji (Sardaunan Sokoto) through journalism over a long period, but our closeness grew stronger because of writing and publishing work in the Association of Nigerian Authors, (ANA).
After he hosted a dinner for us at his house together with @Altine Shehu Kajiji and Kabir Assada, we built a very good relationship based on mutual respect.
During the ceremony to present the staff of office to the Sultan of Muslims, the Late His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido, the highly esteemed Sardauna of Sokoto invited the BBC team that came from Lagos to a dinner; where he demonstrated generosity, love, and respect toward us during the visit.
Even the leader of the team, Hilary Anderson, had to learn lessons and gain knowledge about some information regarding their office in London from him.
He was a well-wisher who wanted to see people stand on their own. He did not like gossip or complaints or stories about trivial matters. He was reserved in conversation or in expressing his opinion to someone, except where it became necessary.
He helped me immensely with advice and guidance on life. I would often go to his house and we would sit in the living room discussing matters of life and ways to help the community.
Since the death of the Late Sarkin Yakin Gwandu, Alhaji Abubakar Koko, and the Late Tsoho Mafara and the Late Muhammadu Bature, I had not found someone who confronted issues directly; someone who, for the sake of the community, would tell me to make an effort to face responsibilities rather than just giving opinions, like Sardauna.
He instructed his household staff to always give me access to see him. It got to a point where he would invite me several times to discuss matters concerning life and everyday issues.
Unless you got close to him, it would be difficult to truly know who Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji was. He never got involved in anything that would cause noise or confusion in the community.
When he gave you his time, he did not waste it. He did not like lateness or interference in anything that he had not asked for.
He was truthful and loved to help. He always had the aspiration for Sokoto to be in the forefront in enterprise, development, and peace.
He used to call me ‘Yusufu’ because he said he liked it. He never showed me tiredness or weariness regarding seeking his advice and asking questions.
May Allah forgive him and grant him mercy, amin.
*Dingyadi, writer from Sokoto.*
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