independence movement. He then continued to play a significant role reducing tensions in the region after the coup and assassination of Premier Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto, on 15 January 1966. On 18 July 1974, President Moktar Ould Daddah, who was on a state visit to Nigeria, paid a visit to Sultan Sir Abubakar, a fellow Islamic scholar, and friend in the company of General Yakubu Gowon. In 1984, when another Sokoto son, Shehu Shagari, was removed from power, Abubakar preached peace within the emirate council and in its relationship with the new administration. His court focused on the welfare and problems of his community, carrying on a cultural tradition espoused by Usman Dan Fodio. Legacy He left behind 52 children, including Ibrahim Muhammadu Maccido dan Abubakar, who succeeded Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki in 1996 to become the 19th Sultan of Sokoto and died on 29 October 2006, as the eldest, and Isah Saddiq Abubakar III as the youngest with more than 320 direct grandchildren. Sultan Abubakar III is best remembered by his compatriots as a religious leader who rose above the religious dissensions of his day. Throughout his life, he played the role of peace-maker and father of all. References Sultans of Sokoto Grand Commanders of the Order of the Niger 1903 births 1988 deaths Nigerian recipients of British titles Nigerian knights Nigerian Knights Commander of the Order of the British Empire Nigerian Muslims Nigerian Sufi religious leaders 20th-century Nigerian people People of the Nigerian Civil War Nigerian Sufis