All roads led to the palace of the Oba Yoruba in the ancient city of Kano where eminent personalities from all walks of life gathered to honour, celebrate and appreciate the duo of the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde and his counterpart in Kano State, Dr. Abdullah Umar Ganduje and conferment of honourary awards on some notable people who have done well in their chosen endeavours.
The event was graced by notable Emirs within and outside the Kano State, Yoruba and igbo traditional rulers across the northern states, political class including the Senator representing the Oyo South Senatorial district, Senator Kola Balogun, Prince Ayodeji Abass Aleshinloye, former ALGON Chairman in Oyo State, religion leaders including the Asiwaju Adinni of Oyo State, Alhaji Mutiulahi Oladejo (Onimalu).
Others were Aare (Dr) Surajudeen Adewuyi Usman, Aare Musulumi and Babaloja Yoruba Kano, Hajia Idayat Bola Musa, Iyalaje Yoruba Kano, Chief John Akinsanya, Mayegun Yoruba Kano among others.
The ceremony was a reception organised by the office of the Oba Yoruba in Kano, Alh. (Amb.) Engr.Murtala Alimi Otisese (ADETIMIRIN 1)in honour of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and his wife, Professor Hafsat Ganduje who recently got double honour from the people of Ibadan as Aare Fiwajoye and Yeye Aare Fiwajoye of Ibadan land by the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Senator Mohood Lekan Balogun and religion title of Aladeen Yorubawa conferred on him by the league of Imams and Alfas in Ibadan and to appreciate Gov. Makinde for creating a friendly environment for the guests during the event in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Speaking on the motive behind the reception, the Oba Yoruba in Kano, Engr. (Amb.) Murtala Alimi Otisese said both Governor Makinde and Abdullahi Ganduje deserved to be honoured in view of the fact that their admnistrations have been adjudged to be most peaceful, tolerant and accommodating and performing among the comity of States in the country.
According to Oba Murtala, “I want to sincerely acknowledge the warm reception that the Oyo State government under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr Seyi Makinde accorded His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and his entourage when he came to receive chieftaincy titles in Ibadan in June year.
Despite the fact that Gov. Makinde was not physically present, his representatives led by Chief. Bayo Lawal, the then Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs were on ground to ensure that everything went on smoothly right from the airport till their departure in the evening. Not only that, Governor Makinde just like Abdullahi Ganduje is a detribalized Governor. He has ensured peaceful co-existence among all the ethnic groups in the State. This is the reason why the entire Yorubas who are my subjects in Kano deem it fit to honour him as well and appreciate him for honouring our invitation here today with the presence of Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige who is his Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism that represents him. I must say this that all the guests that came to Ibadan from Kano were marvelled at the spate of developments that have taken place in Oyo State especially in Ibadan and we are happy that Gov. Makinde is making those of us that are living outside the State proud with his achievements so far in office.”
Oba Murtala hinted that the reception was organised to appreciate Governor Ganduje who is an in-law of Ibadan and for those who could not make it to Ibadan during the installation ceremony for Gov. Ganduje and his wife.
Oba Murtala noted that Governor Ganduje has done a lot for the Yoruba in Kano including other ethnic groups in the State, describing him as a detribalized Governor.
He said: Governor Ganduje was so supportive to my aspiration and eventual emergence as Oba Yoruba Kano about two years ago. As a man of peace he is, he came down to Ibadan when there was a clash between Hausa traders and the people of Sasa at Sasa market the other time to calm the nerves and peace was restored.
At the moment, he is building an auditorium for the University of Ibadan and many more. These are some of the reasons why the Olubadan of Ibadanland confered the chieftaincy title on him and his wife. The reception we are holding here today is just our own little way of appreciating his administration’s support for the yorubas especially since my installation as the Oba Yoruba in Kano and to also give honourary awards and certificates to confirmed chiefs.” Oba Murtala enthused.
In his remarks, the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde who was represented by his Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the people in Kano for the honour.
Governor Makinde stressed that while he would have loved to physically grace the occasion to identify with the Yoruba people and his colleague, Gov. Ganduje, he was, however, on vacation in the United Kingdom (UK), adding that he was happy that since the new Oba Yoruba who happens to be an Ibadan indigene from Oyo State mounted the throne, there has been relative peace and steady progress among all various ethnic groups in Kano State.
According to him, from the available information at my disposal, since yoruba monarch mounted the throne in Kano, his hallmark has been peaceful co-existence, collaboration, productive activities, tolerance and promotion of yoruba’s cultures and traditions. This is even evident with the way that his Excellency, Governor Ganduje dresses at this ceremony who clad in Yoruba native aso ofi and abeti aja cap to fit. This is our unique dress in yorubaland that depicts us as a tribe that value its cultures and traditions.” He said.
Governor Makinde, however, promised that he would not relent in his efforts at fostering unity and respect for all ethnic groups residing in Oyo State to continue to thrive in their fields of endeavour.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of awards/certificates to the honourary awardees and confirmed chiefs in Kano and rendition of special yoruba poem (Ewi) by a popular Yoruba poet, Ajobiewe to spice up the event.
