The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Ishola (Alli Okunmade II) has conferred the traditional title of Aare Fiwajoye of Ibadan Land on Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Olubadan also conferred on Ganduje”s wife, Professor Hafsat Ganduje the title of Yeye Aare Fiwajore of Ibadan Land even as the Chief Imam of Ibadan Land, Sheikh AndulGaniyu Abubakar (Agbolomokekere), conferred another title of Alaudeen of Yorubawa (Aladdin of Yoruba) on Governor Ganduje.
The occasion took place today, June 18, in Mapo historical Hall, Ibadan, with the Presidential flag bearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in attendance.
The Olubadan praised Governor Ganduje for being a detribalised Nigerian, who he said, believes in national integration and harmonious relationship among all tribes of Nigeria.”
“Let me sum up it up with two paragraphs from the letter of recommendation by Oba Yoruba Kano thus: Bestowing a befitting Chieftaincy title on the hardworking and amiable governor with his wife will be a reward for a man who has been compassionate to us as a people and who believes that any Nigerian can stay and work in any part of the country without molestation or denial of basic things of life.”
He further appreciated the people-oriented posture of Kano state government, adding that, “Your Excellency all these Chieftaincy titles are well deserving. We are awarding these titles to the right people.”
Responding, Governor Ganduje said that there has been long existing relationship between Kano and Oyo, “particularly during the reign of the late Emir Ado Bayero with the late Alaafin of Oyo.
“You can also remember that just in the last few years, I gave the hands of my daughter in marriage to the family of the late governor of Oyo state, Isiaka Abiola Adeyemi Ajimobi.”
According to him, such development would promote cordial relationship between Hausa/Fulani and Yoruba race, extending to all parts of the country.
“This cross-cultural event, especially this Chieftaincy conferment will definitely encourage us all in putting our effort for national unity and cohesion. It will definitely encourage more integration between Hausa/Fulani and Yoruba people.”
Many Commissioners, top government functionaries, party leaders and elders accompanied the governor and attended the conferment ceremony.
A statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kano State, Abba Anwar, said that all Emirs from Kano state, led by the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero were also in attendance.
Meanwhile, Asiwaju Tinubu had commended the conferment of the traditional titles on Ganduje and his wife.
“This will go a long way in further cementing the relationship among the ethnic groups in the country. It will definitely promote peace and tranquility among Nigerians.”
