Abiodun Onafuye/ Ijebu Ode
The new Emir of Kano, Muhammed Sanusi II has declared that both the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona and the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu have been his adopted fathers for many years.
He also revealed that his attainment to the royal stool of Emir was a wish of Allah and thanked Allah and the two monarchs for their unrelenting support.
The Emir stated this today in Ijebu Ode during a courtesy visit to the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Adetona. Oba Akiolu also accompanied him on the visit.
The former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria,CBN said,”I am happy to be here today. This is a long standing relationship. Both the Awujale and the Oba of Lagos are my fathers. They have adopted me as a son for many years. They have both supported me and monitored me till I became Emir. Their prayers for me led to my success and I thank them for their support.
“Both Awujale and Akiolu had come to visit me in Kano when I became Emir and that is why I have come back to thank them. I have decided to come to only Lagos and Ijebu Ode in the southwest. I am still going to visit two more Obas, the Alaafin and Ooni. My prayer is that,as leaders,we will strengthen the bonds of our people by upholding the tenets of our tradition’s”, the Emir said.
In his welcome address, the reverred monarch, Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland congratulated the former CBN Governor for ascending the throne of his forefathers.
Awujale advised the new Emir not to relent in giving useful and positive advice to politicians and the government at all time.
The monarch, while applauding the Emir’s contribution to the economy of the country while he was at the helm of affairs at the apex bank, urged him to always be part of selection and appointment for credible and responsive representatives into political offices.
Commenting on the visit, both the Chairman of Ijebu Ode local government and the Serikin Hausawa of Ijebuland disclosed that the visit is an epoch one,which can be traced to the relationship in the olden days.
Daddah said, “I am very happy to be part of the epoch meeting, it is a royal visit and a responsible government would have to support the traditional institution. The hallmark of their discussion is that they stress the need for peace and progress of the two communities,to be courageous to say what is right and charges people to be courageous enough to face the authority and commend them when they do right thing and condemn them when they are wrong”, the LG boss stated.
In his own comment, the Serikin Hausa of Ijebuland, Alhaji Yahya Garuba revealed that the new Emir is the first Emir of Kano that will visit Ijebu Ode since he became the Seriki in 1989.
The Emir was welcome at the palace of Awujale by all the Obas in Ijebuland and the Hausa community, including the League of Imams and Alfas led by the Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheik Abdul Razaq Salaudeen.
In the entourage of the Emir were the Makaman Kano,Serikin Fulani Kano and Dokajin Kano.
The Emir yesterday visited the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu at the Iga Idunganran palace.