The 18th Sultan of Sokoto, Ibrahim Dasuki, kissed the world goodbye this Monday. His remains are likely to be buried Tuesday in accordance with Islamic rites.
His son, Sambo, has been in detention since last December on charges of diverting $2.1billion meant for procurement of arms. It is likely he will be temporarily released to pay his last respects to his father. At least two courts, including the Ecowas court, had granted him bail, but he was not set free. His trial continues.
Former Sultan Dasuki was born on December 31, 1923, in Dogon Daji, Sokoto.
A very successful businessman, he ascended the throne of his forefathers after the death of the 17th Sultan, Abubakar Siddique, on November 1, 1988. After the announcement in December of that year, riots broke out in Sokoto.
He was deposed in 1996 during the reign of Gen. Sani Abacha and banished to Jalingo in the north-east. It is believed he had personal issues with Abacha.
World leaders and Nigerian leaders are expected to pay glowing tributes to the once-powerful man.
