Get Guardian on GoogleThe Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Sunday called for concerted efforts to protect traditional institutions from partisan politics, warning that political interference could lead to decisions whose consequences may not be fully understood.
The monarch made the call while receiving the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Olubadan Palace in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Ladoja said traditional rulers should be insulated from partisan political interests to preserve the integrity and stability of traditional institutions.
“We have a lot in common. And we must find a way to insulate the position of the traditional rulers from partisan politics; failure to do so means they continue to make decisions whose consequences they don’t even understand,” he said.
The Olubadan also expressed concern over developments in the Kano Emirate, noting that the ancient institution had existed for more than 1,000 years.
He questioned attempts to divide the emirate, praying that reason would prevail and lasting peace would return to Kano.
“From history, we know that Kano has been there for more than 1,000 years. And for somebody to wake up and say he is going to break it doesn’t seem to be reasonable. We pray that reason will prevail in the Kano Emirate to restore what we used to know Kano for,” he added.
Recalling the Maitatsine crisis, which originated in Kano, Oba Ladoja stressed the need for sustained peace in the city, describing it as a major commercial centre and a convergence point for Hausa- and Fulani-speaking people.
He said the historic ties between Ibadan and Kano were rooted in their reputation for accommodating people from different backgrounds.
“What is happening today is historic. Historic in the sense that people say that two towns in Nigeria are very accommodating: Kano and Ibadan,” the monarch said.
He described Kano as a commercial capital not only of Nigeria but also of the wider region, adding that peace was essential to sustaining its economic importance.
Oba Ladoja also lauded Sanusi for leaving his position as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria to ascend to the throne of his ancestors, describing the decision as a reflection of his character and commitment to service.
Olubadan recalled his long-standing friendship with a Kano elder, Yusuf Garba Ali, dating back to 1972, and promised to visit Kano soon.
He said his journey to the Olubadan throne began in 1993 and lasted 32 years, adding that he was grateful to God for his ascension.
Earlier, Sanusi said he visited Ibadan to honour a longstanding invitation to attend a conference organised by Imams and Alfas in South-West Nigeria.
He described the gathering as an important initiative for building bridges among Nigerians from different parts of the country in the interest of national unity, progress and prosperity.
The Emir apologised for not visiting Oba Ladoja earlier following his appointment and coronation, explaining that unavoidable circumstances had prevented him from attending the ceremonies.
He congratulated the monarch on his ascension to the throne and prayed for a long and peaceful reign, as well as prosperity for Ibadan and Nigeria.
Sanusi also recalled his longstanding relationship with Ibadan, dating back to his days at First Bank and his association with the late Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdulazeez Arisekola-Alao.
He said he had maintained close relationships with several Ibadan indigenes before and during his tenure as CBN governor and as Emir of Kano.
