In a show of solidarity, hundreds of supporters trooped out for the ceremony heralding the appointment of former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, as the new Caliph in Nigeria.
The appointment of the new Khalifa, which was pronounced by the Tijaniyah, an Islamic sect, witnessed a mammoth crowd of people clustered in an open space with no sign of social distancing or other COVID-19 protocols.
Khalifa or Khalifah is a name or title which means “successor”, “leader” or “ruler.”
It is commonly accorded to the leader of a Caliphate, but is also used as a title among various Islamic religious groups and orders.
Khalifa is sometimes also pronounced as “kalifa”
The Tijāniyyah, on the other hand, is a Sufi tariqa originating in the Maghreb but now more widespread in West Africa, particularly in Senegal.
The sect is also popular in The Gambia, Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, Niger, Chad, Ghana, Sudan as well as Northern and South-western Nigeria.
The news and photographs of the ceremony were shared on Facebook by the former CBN governor’s spokesperson, Saadatu Ahmad, who was also on the rostrum.
Ahmad further disclosed that the appointment of the former Central Bank governor was confirmed on Friday night in Sokoto during the Maulud celebration of Sheikh Ibrahim Niass.
She wrote, “Alhamdulillah, we thank you Allah today. Halifanci has confirmed, His Royal Highness Sanusi II the character of Tijjaniya. God bless you Allah.”
It was gathered that the position was previously held by the late Emir of Kano (Sanusi’s late grandfather) and lately held by the late philanthropist Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu.
