KANO – The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has called on the Kano State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to approach the splitting of the Kano Emirate with care, maturity and wisdom in order not to erode the tradition and cultural values of the people.
The Monarch who had on his entourage Emir of Kano, HRH, Crown Prince Ezeilekhae Ewuare and Benin Chiefs gave the advice during his courtesy visit to the govermor in Kano on Sunday.
He informed that Traditional Institution remains unique value addition to the rich diversity of Nigeria and veritable tool for national unity.
Recall that the Governor Ganduje recently splitted the old Kano Emirate into five Emirates following what is believed in some quarters to have been occasioned by alleged fued between the Emir of Kano, His Highness, Muhammad Sanusi and Ganduje.
He added that traditional institution in the country provides underlying principles of governance and people centric approach to public administration, rule of law as well as reinforcing the role of statutory political authorities in Nigeria.
He said: “Your Excellency, may I crave your indulgence to share my views on the event that happened recently in Kano of the recent creation of additional emirates in the old existing Kano Emirate.
“My dear Governor, I have an inkling of the issue that allegedly led to your decision to split old Kano Emirate into five.
“May I on behalf of myself and all my brother traditional rulers plead with you and implore you to remember that, even if we believe we have been offended, leaders are always expected to temper justice with mercy.
“May I counsel and advice that the issue should be approached with a lot of care, maturity and wisdom in order not to erode the time tested tradition and cultural values of our people”.
While asserting that Traditional Institution is the thread that holds together the fabric of unity and peaceful Co-existence among diverse peoples of the nation, Oba Ewuare II, however, said that it was imperative for traditional rulers across Nigeria to forge firm bonds of unity especially as the country make further foray into the 21st century, a century that is expected to be defined by knowledge, technology and data.
He commended Governor Ganduje led-administration in the state for providing conducive environment for the people and indigenes of Edo State to do legitimate business for their economic wellbeing.
Reacting, the govermor thanked the Oba for the visit, saying that the it was a blessing to the people of Kano State and Nigeria.
Your Royal Majesty, your visit to Kano signifys national unity and integration”.
He said t that the Oba’s nation-wide thank you tour has further demonstrated his stance for national unity and integration, adding that the Oba Ewuare II’s determination to build developmental bridges across the country has affirmed that there is hope in the Nigeria.
He noted disclosed that inclusiveness of traditional rulers in governance is given serious priority by his administration in Kano State, just as he promised the Oba to look into some of the issues raised during the visit.
His Roya Majesty and his entourage departed Kano State yesterday Evening for Abuja.
