The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has called for protection of traditional institutions from partisan politics, warning that political interference could produce decisions with far-reaching consequences.
Ladoja spoke on Sunday when he received the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who paid a courtesy visit to the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The monarch said traditional rulers should be insulated from political interests to preserve the integrity, stability and historical relevance 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,” Ladoja said.
He specifically expressed concern about developments in the Kano Emirate, arguing that an institution with more than 1,000 years of history should not be subjected to actions that could undermine its traditional structure.
“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,” he said.
Ladoja prayed that reason would prevail in Kano and that peace would return to the emirate.
Recalling the Maitatsine crisis, which originated in Kano, the Olubadan stressed the importance of maintaining peace in the ancient city, describing it as a major commercial centre and a meeting point for Hausa- and Fulani-speaking communities.
He said Ibadan and Kano shared a reputation for accommodating people from different backgrounds, describing the relationship between the two cities as historic.
“What is happening today is historic. Historic in the sense that people say that two towns in Nigeria are very accommodating: Kano and Ibadan,” he said.
According to Ladoja, Kano’s commercial significance extends beyond Nigeria, making peace and stability in the city important to the wider region.
He also praised Sanusi for leaving his position as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria to become Emir of Kano, describing the decision as evidence of his character and commitment to traditional service.
Ladoja recalled his longstanding relationship with Kano elder Yusuf Garba Ali, which dates back to 1972, and promised to visit Kano soon.
He also spoke about his own journey to the Olubadan throne, saying it began in 1993 and lasted 32 years before his eventual ascension.
Earlier, Sanusi said his visit to Ibadan was to honour a longstanding invitation to attend a conference organised by Imams and Alfas in South-West Nigeria.
He described the gathering as an opportunity to build bridges among Nigerians from different parts of the country and promote national unity, progress and prosperity.
Sanusi apologised for not visiting Ladoja earlier after his appointment and coronation, explaining that unavoidable circumstances prevented him from attending the ceremonies.
He congratulated Ladoja on his ascension and prayed for a long and peaceful reign, as well as prosperity for Ibadan and Nigeria.
The Emir also recalled his longstanding relationship with Ibadan, dating back to his time at First Bank and his association with the late Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdulazeez Arisekola-Alao.
Sanusi said he had maintained close relationships with several Ibadan indigenes before and during his tenure as CBN governor and as Emir of Kano.
He also described Ibadan as his “second home” and expressed his readiness to host Ladoja in Kano.
