Oba of Benin urges Ganduje to reverse emirates creation

TRACKING____Oba of Benin, Omo N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, yesterday pleaded with Governor Abdullahi Ganduje to reconsider reversing the creation of new emirates in Kano State.

The first class monarch and paramount ruler of Benin Kingdom made the appeal when he visited Ganduje at Government House, Kano. Accompanied by the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, the Oba said reversal of the split of Kano emirate council into five should be considered to preserve the enduring tradition and customs of the ancient city of Kano.He wanted Ganduje to rather address, amicably, the issue with the Kano emirate without resorting to the split.

The traditional ruler, who advocated institutional power and recognition for traditional leaders in Nigeria, noted that the traditional institution still held the integral fabric of unity and peaceful coexistence in the country.

“My dear governor, I have an inkling of the issue that allegedly led to your decision to split the old Kano emirate into five. “May I on behalf of all the traditional rulers plead with you to remember that, even if we believe we have been offended, leaders are always expected to temper justice with mercy.

“May I counsel 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,” he stated.Responding, Governor Ganduje, who applauded the role of traditional rulers in national development and peace building, declined to specifically respond to the plea of the Oba.

He, however, restated his government’s readiness to work with all the traditional rulers in Kano, especially in the areas of education, security and health.

On his part, Sanusi expressed willingness to work with Kano government in the interest of peace and unity of the state.He used the opportunity to congratulate Ganduje on his victory at the Court of Appeal, noting that power belongs to God, and he alone gives to whomever he desired.“As Muslims, we are expected to put aside personal differences and forgive one another,” Sanusi remarked.