Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero, has described the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as a ruler with a difference and a leader to be emulated.
Bayero, who stated this during a courtesy visit to the Awujale in his palace in Ijebu Ode on Wednesday, said the visit was to felicitate the first class traditional ruler on his 90th birthday and 64th year on the throne.
He noted that the experience he had tapped from Awujale’s words of wisdom would leave with him for the rest of his life.
The emir said it was important to continue to strengthen the cordial relationship that had existed for several years between the Awujale and his father and late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.
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“Awujale is someone who has been at par with my forefathers for 64 years and I’m privileged to still have people like him around at 90.
“He is a real gem who is a close associate of my late father 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 my life. It is a good experience for me,” he said.
Ado-Bayero noted that the traditional institution before and after the colonial era had remained constant.
“It is an institution that has remained constant; the changes may be there but the values and traditions are kept that whoever comes in will just tune in to and it is perfect for us.
“When I became the emir of Kano about four years ago, I went round virtually all the states of the federation. This visit is a continuation of what I’ve been doing but it is very special.
“I am happy in my lifetime and during my reign that I’m here, and the experience I’ve tapped from him (Awujale) today is one that will live forever with 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 of Ijebu or I will say Ijebu is a carbon copy of Kano.
“The truth is we both have a lot of things in common in terms of culture, tradition and commercial activities,” he said.
Responding, the Awujale recalled the cordial relationship between him and the late father of the emir, Alhaji Ado Bayero.
He appreciated the visit by the emir and called on Nigerians to continue to live in unity and harmony.
Speaking at the occasion, Gov. Dapo Abiodun said the royal visit would, no doubt, further strengthen the existing bond of unity and mutual respect across the diverse ethnic groups in the country.
Abiodun, represented by Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ganiyu Hamzat, described Awujale as ‘a loving royal father of high repute’.
