A faction of the Tijaniyya Islamic sect in Nigeria on Monday countered reports that the former emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido was appointed the sect’s leader in Nigeria.
Sanusi was reportedly confirmed leader of the sect over the weekend in Sokoto during the Maulud celebration of a prominent Islamic cleric sheikh Ibrahim Niass.
Sanusi’s grandfather Muhammadu Sanusi I was the first leader of the sect in the country.
However, the sect broke into two factions after his death — one led by Isiyaka Rabiu, and another led by Dahiru Bauchi.
Speaking with reporters on Monday in Sokoto, Ibrahim Bauchi, son of Dahiru Bauchi, said the faction only commented on Sanusi following in his grandfather’s footsteps.
“The Dhariqa Tijaniyya is based on knowledge and scholarship rooted in extant adherence to stipulated guidelines and obedience to Allah and those in charge of Dhariqa affairs,” he said, according to NAN.
“The junior brother of the grand leader, sheikh Makey Nyass, was quoted out of context in the report. What he said was that Sanusi has been following the footsteps of his late grandfather, Muhammadu Sanusi I.
“Nyass only tried to compare the life experiences of Sanusi and that of his late grandfather after being deposed from the throne.”
On his part, the grand world leader Mahi Nyass said there is a process that must be followed to appoint a caliph (leader).
“Such decisions have to be discussed at different fora and an agreement must be reached before the announcement,” he said.
“After nomination, a letter of credence endorsed by group of scholars, duly signed and stamped by the grand world leader (Caliphatul Arrm) must be presented to the person appointed.”
