Sardaunan Sokoto, Sir Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, Dies at 87
By Nafiu Muhammad Lema
Nigeria has lost one of its most distinguished elder statesmen and public servants following the death of Sir Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, the Sardaunan Sokoto; a Prince of the Sokoto Caliphate, and famously nicknamed Triple A by the late Queen of England.
Family sources confirmed that the revered administrator and traditional titleholder passed away on Thursday. Details of his funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.
Born on November 22, 1938, in Sokoto State, Sir Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji was a descendent of Buhari son of the 19th century Islamic Reformer, and founder of Sokoto Calipahate, Shehu Usman Danfodiyo, whose life was defined by exceptional public service, financial expertise, and unwavering commitment to national development.
He studied Political Economy at the University of Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom, before undertaking further studies at the Institute of Social Studies, The Hague, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Institute in Washington, D.C. His academic background laid the foundation for a distinguished career in public administration and economic management.
Sir Alhaji joined the Nigerian Civil Service in 1964, rising through the ranks to become one of the country’s most accomplished Permanent Secretaries. His exceptional record in public service earned him appointments as Minister of State for Budget and Planning and later Minister of Finance between 1990 and 1991 under the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida. He also served Nigeria with distinction as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in the mid-1990s.
In 1990, the late Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki conferred on him the revered traditional title of Sardaunan Sokoto, reviving the title for the first time since the death of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Premier of Northern Nigeria, in 1966. The title had remained vacant for nearly a quarter of a century, making Sir Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji the only person to hold the revered office after the legendary Sir Ahamadu Bello.
He was also honoured as a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to public service.
The famous “Triple A” (AAA), Sir Alhaji remained an influential voice on governance, economic policy, and national development long after leaving public office. He was widely admired for his wisdom, humility, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the service of Nigeria and the people of Sokoto.
His passing marks the end of a remarkable era in Nigeria’s public service and the Sokoto Caliphate. His legacy of principled leadership, excellence, and selfless service will continue to inspire generations of public servants and leaders.
Sir Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji was married to the eldest daughter of late Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki with whom they had children and grandchildren.
