The new Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Lekan Balogun, has assured of his readiness to strengthen the existing relationship between Ibadan and the North towards making Nigeria safe for all, irrespective of tribe, language and religion.
He stated this while hosting the governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero.
The monarch, who traced his relationship with Kano from his friendship with the late Abubakar Rimi and Balarabe Musa, both former governors of Kano and Kaduna states, respectively, said he always felt at home any time the name Kano was mentioned around him.
As a former lecturer in the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and director in the Kano State-owned Triumph Newspapers, the new Olubadan said the visit rekindled fond memories of his days in the northern part of the country, as well as those of his late friends.
Earlier in his remark, Ganduje told the traditional ruler that Ibadan was home to every Kano person and vice-versa, noting that with his daughter, who is married to Idris Ajimobi, the son of the late former governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, he had become part and parcel of the ancient city, adding, “Whatever affects Ibadan affects me.”
Recalling that his knowledge of the relationship that existed between the new Olubadan and the late Rimi strengthened his love for the monarch, he enjoined him to continue to work towards the unity of the country, which was very solid in the time past, and which engendered the loving relationship between the late Rimi, who he described as his boss, and the new Olubadan.
In his homage, Emir Bayero told the Olubadan that both the government and traditional institution in Kano State were happy for him as ‘one’ of them and enjoined him to maintain the cordial relationship existing between the two ancient kingdoms.
The first-class traditional ruler maintained that it was such relationship that made the country great in the past and should be rekindled towards building a new Nigeria.
The Kano entourage was led to the Olubadan palace by the former secretary to the Oyo State Government, Alhaji Olalekan Alli; former special adviser to Ajimobi, Bolaji Tunji, and Idris Ajimobi, an in-law to Ganduje.
