Tinubu, Sultan, Sanusi, Other Prominent Nigerian Figures Named Among the World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims

In a recent announcement by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre in Amman, Jordan, several notable Nigerian individuals have earned a place on the list of the 500 most influential Muslims globally. This prestigious list, which recognizes leaders who have significantly impacted both the Muslim community and the representation of Islam to non-Muslims, includes some remarkable names.

Notably, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who assumed the presidency in Nigeria this year, made his debut on this influential list. His inclusion signifies a remarkable milestone in his political career.

Conversely, his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, who had consistently featured in previous editions, was notably absent from the current list. Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, secured a place among the top 50 influential Muslims worldwide.

Other Nigerian figures recognized in this prestigious publication include the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, and Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Ahmad, the National Missioner and Chief Imam of Ansar Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria. Sheikh Ahmad’s inclusion has been consistent since 2016.

The publication’s 15th edition identifies Shaykh Habib ‘Umar bin Muhammad bin Salim bin Hafiz as the most influential Muslim leader globally, followed by Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the King of Saudi Arabia, in the second position, and Grand Ayatollah Hajj Sayyid Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, ranking third.

It is worth noting that the list classifies the 500 influential Muslims into various categories, including Scholarly, Administration of Religious Affairs, Preachers and Religious Guides, Social Issues, Business and Philanthropy, Charity and Development, among others.

Within the Nigerian context, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was recognized under the political leaders’ category. Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the President of the Dangote Group of Companies, stands as the sole Nigerian listed in the Business Category, securing the 162nd position among the world’s most influential Muslim leaders.

Other notable Nigerian individuals featured in the publication are the 14th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; Prof. Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede, Secretary-General of NSCIA and Registrar of the Joint Administration and Matriculation Board; Ado Bayero, and Sheikh Ahmad, who were acknowledged in the category of Administration of Religious Affairs.

Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, was listed in the Scholarly category, reflecting his significant contributions to Islamic scholarship.

The list further includes respected figures like Sheikh Tahir Usman Bauchi, Imam Muhammad Ashafa, HE Ibrahim Saleh Al-Hussaini, Sheikh Yakubu Musa Katsina, and Sheikh Professor Ibrahim Ahmad Maqari.

Lastly, the publication also paid tribute to the late Prince Ajibola Bola, a former Judge of the International Court of Justice, Hague, who passed away on April 9, 2023, by recognizing him in the obituary category.