The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, on Wednesday, called for continued collaboration that has been in existence for several years between Ijebuland and Kano Emirate.
Just as he described the Awulaje and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Dr Sikiru Adetona, as an enigma and a ruler with a difference.
He stated this during his visit to the private residence of the monarch in Ijebu-Ode, to celebrate with the revered monarch on his 90th birthday and 64th coronation anniversary.
The Emir lauded Awulaje whom he refered to as his “father” as a man of wisdom, who he said was a close associate of his late father, Alhaji Abdullahi Ado Bayero.
He explained that he was in Ijebu-Ode to seek Awulaje’s royal blessing for him to succeed on the throne.
The Emir said, ” Awujale is someone who has been at par with my forefathers for 64 years and am privilege to still have people like him around at 90. He is a real gem who is a close associate of my late father’s and that is why I call him my Father as well.
“So coming here to greet him and get his blessings is something I will appreciate till the end of time. It is a good experience for me.”
The Emir stated that the traditional institutions before the colonial era and after the colonial era had remained constant.
“It is an institution that has remained constant, the changes are there but the values and traditions are kept that whoever comes in will Just tune in and it is perfect for us.
“When I became the Emir of Kano about 4 years ago, I went around virtually all the states of the federation. This visit is a continuation of what has been done but this is a very special
“I am happy in my lifetime, my reign, am here and the experience I tapped from him today is an experience that will leave forever in me. Kano and Ijebu, I look at them like twins as far as I am concerned especially in terms of commercial activities.
“We all know Ijebu very well, Kano is a carbon copy or I will say Ijebu is a carbon copy of Kano. The truth is we have a lot of things in common that relate to the culture, tradition and commercial activities,” he said.
In his response, Oba Adetona appreciated the Emir and his entourage for finding time to visit and felicitate with him on his double celebration.
The monarch recalled the long-standing relationship that existed between the late Emir Ado-Bayero, whom he described as a “brother”.
He attributed his long reign on the throne as one of the factors that was responsible for building a strong and united Ijebuland.
The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, described the visit as historic in the unity and ethnic bonding of Nigeria.
The governor who thanked the Emir for visiting a revered royal father in the state, said that the positive contributions of Awujale to the socio-cultural development of his domain and Ogun State cannot be overemphasised.
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