The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, on Wednesday visited the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over the killing of at least 40 Hausa settlers in Ile-Ife in Osun State.
Speaking during the visit, Mr Sanusi said a lot of people in the North are complaining over his silence over the incident, noting that his silence was to avoid fueling the crisis.
“I know many people from the North have been complaining that I have been quiet on this matter,” the emir said.
“Let me say that the moment this sad incident happened, His Majesty the Ooni of Ife reached out to me and the sultan, both of us have reached out to ooni on a number of times and we are satisfied with the fatherly way he has so far responded to the crisis which we see as a confirmation that he is truly the father of all in Yorubaland irrespective of tribes and religion.
“And we felt that so long the Ooni was doing everything humanly possible to stabilise the situation, there was no need for anyone of us to make any statement that could worsen the situation.
“Let me also add that I was to be here with the Sultan but he has to travel and he has asked me to represent him and all the Northern traditional rulers.
“I on behalf of sultan and the other emirs commiserate with you over the sad incident and follow up by making for the great leadership you showed during the crisis and the quick manner in which you doused the tension and the way the culprits were apprehended for justice.
“You showed indeed that everyone in Ife is your subject which is the way it should be. The family we come from and the institution we represent are institutions that take responsibility for protecting the lives, property and dignity of our people living within their jurisdiction irrespective of where they are from. We thank you for playing that role.”
The emir also harped on the good relationship between Ife and Kano.
“I was here as a prince a couple of years ago in company of my late father, Emir Ado Bayero, during the 30th coronation anniversary of the late Ooni Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II. As a prince, I had always felt welcome in this palace and today, on arriving here, I have received the same welcome as a member of this royal family,” said Mr Sanusi.
“It is indeed remarkable and we thank Allah for the way he does his things because the relationship between our two predecessors which was critical to building bridges across the Niger and unifying the people of this country has continued with us and I hope we will keep being agents of peace and unity for our great country.
“My visit here today is a happy and sad one. It is a happy one because it is an opportunity for me to come and formally congratulate you on your enthronement and it is a sad one because it is in connection with the sad incidence that occurred at Ile-Ife recently.”
The emir also commended the state governor, Rauf Aregbesola, for setting up a commission of inquiry.
In his response, the ooni thanked the emir, saying he is courageous and intelligent person.
“When you are talking of intellectuals in Africa, Emir Sanusi is actually a force to reckon with. I have always had tremendous respect for him.
“Thank you your highness for this historic visit. You are a detribalized Nigerian who has always shown love to members of other tribes. My love for you dates back to when you were Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria as your courage of calling a spade a spade actually drew my attention to you.
“You and I met in the UK and we had intensive conversation as regards the crisis and the need to strengthen the unity of all Nigerians. That meeting played a significant role in finally dousing the tension. You are indeed part of us in Ile-Oodua and we are also part of the Kano Emirate. Our prayer therefore is that our relationship will continue to wax stronger.
“The State Government of Osun have played their role very responsibly well by swiftly rising to the occasion, and severally visiting the affected areas with solidarity and donation of cash and other relieve materials. Same goes with us here at the palace, Ife prominent indigenes and all the Yoruba leaders of thought.
“We have been doing this just to give them the assurance that we are one big family and I have since been working perfectly with the sultan and the emirs for the sustenance of the peace that we have restored after the crisis.”
The two traditional rulers also visited the Hausa community at the Sabo area of the town where they had a meeting with the Hausa community leaders.
