by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has mourned the death of Sir Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, the Sardaunan Sokoto, describing him as one of Arewa’s finest, who embodied tradition and modernity without contradiction.
In a press statement issued on July 30, 2026 night, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T.A. Muhammad-Baba, the ACF said it received the news of the elder statesman’s passing “with profound sadness.”
Popularly known as “Triple A,” the late Sardaunan Sokoto was a seasoned civil servant, former Minister of Budget and Finance, diplomat, and Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. He was also a recipient of the Knight of the British Empire, KBE, honour.
“Late Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji was a highly educated scion of the Sokoto Sultanate, who had bridged the gap between tradition and modernity,” the ACF stated.
According to the Forum, after university education overseas, ‘Triple A’ returned to Nigeria and rose through-the-ranks to become a Federal Permanent Secretary. He later served as Minister of Budget and Finance before retiring to a quiet life in Sokoto, devoted to reading, scholarship and community service.
He also served the Sokoto State Government as Special Adviser on Economic and Budgetary Affairs.
The ACF described him as “cerebral, renowned, highly respected and an iconic bridge-builder,” who remained friendly, approachable and a mentor to many civil and public servants.
“Always regal in comportment and princely in outlook, he had remained highly friendly and approachable and a mentor to many a civil and public servant,” the statement said.
The Forum noted that his death comes “at a worse time, as Arewa specifically and, Nigeria in general, faces daunting existential problems consequent to economic and political administration challenges.
“Nigeria could, therefore, benefit from his wise counsel from the edifying values he had espoused and transmitted,” it added.
On behalf of the National Executive Council and members of the Forum, ACF Chairman, Mr. Mamman Mike Osuman, OFR, prayed to Almighty Allah to reward Triple A for his national service, forgive his shortcomings and grant him peaceful repose in al-Jannah Firdaus.
The ACF also extended heartfelt condolences to the people and Government of Sokoto State, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultanate Council, and the family and friends of the late Sardaunan Sokoto.