21st September, 2014
Abiodun Onafuye/Ijebu Ode
The Emir of Kano, HRH Muhammed Sanusi II has declared that both the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona and the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu are his adopted fathers for many years.
He also revealed that his attainment to the royal stool of Emir was a wish of Allah while thanking the Almighty and the two monarchs for their unflinching support.
The Emir stated this on Sunday in Ijebu Ode during a courtesy visit to the palace of Awujale of Ijebuland alongside the Oba of Lagos.
Speaking at the palace, 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 has 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 bond of our people by upholding the tenets of our traditions,” the Emir said.
In his welcome address, the revered 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 of old.
The Chairman of IOLG, Hon. Razaq Oluwakemi 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 stressed the need for peace and progress of the two communities. They want the two communities to be courageous to say what is right and charge people to be courageous enough to face the authority and commend them when they do right thing and condemn them when they are wrong,” he stated.
In his own comment, the Serikin Hausaa 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 welcomed 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.
Among the entourage of the Emir was 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 and the monarch followed him down to Ijebu Ode to greet Awujale.