SOJI AJIBOLA, Ibadan
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji on Tuesday had a closed-door meeting with the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero and the Etsu Nupe Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar on how to proffer a lasting solution to inter-ethnic crisis bedeviling the state.
The visiting monarchs, as reliably informed, deliberated on the role of traditional rulers in a democratic setting.
Speaking on the visit, the Director of Media and Publicity to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Adeola Oloko, said the meeting has deepened the relationship between traditional rulers across Niger.
He said, “During their visit, the two traditional rulers realised that average Nigerians have no problem with one another. They saw that their indigenes are happy here and that they are living in peace in their communities. In the end, they concluded that the crises are mainly being promoted by political elites who benefit from it.
“They concluded that politicians are those highlighting differences of citizens to promote division in the country.
“The Emir of Kano was particularly happy as he recalled the days when his father used to bring him to Ibadan during the time he served as the Chancellor of the University of Ibadan for 21 years. He said the relationship between Kano and Ibadan is very long.
“Simply put, their visit was to seek peace and progress. The meeting was fruitful and our discussions on security issues produced better understanding and cooperation. It deepened the relationship between traditional rulers in a nation divided by party politics.”