Danjuma James, Sokoto
The Oba of Benin, Omon N’oba N’edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II who was on a historic visit to Sokoto has praised the Sultan of Sokoto’s efforts in building bridges of unity and harmony across the country.
Oba Ewuaere II who spoke when he paid a Royal thank you visit to the Sultan in Sokoto urged the Sultan not to relent in these efforts as history would be kind to him when the story of a united, strong and prosperous Nigeria was told to generations yet unborn.
The Oba particularly expressed his appreciation to the Sultan for his uncommon support, encouragement and honour extended to him during the period of his coronation as the 40th Oba of the great Benin Kingdom.
“Your Eminence, it is my hope and sincere desire that this visit will further cement the warm and cordial relationship existing between your people and my people. The people of Benin are historically hospitable and receptive to everyone”, he stated.
Oba Ewuare III lamented that Nigeria was faced with huge security challenges with aviodable humanirarian crisis of unimaginable proportion saying that it therefore behoves on tradditional leaders in the country to constantly imbibe in the people the need to respect one another and uphold the values that unite the country.
He canvassed support to the Federal Government in harnessing the benefit of the nation’s cultural ethos to keep Nigeria as one indivisible country.
In his response, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III expressed the need for traditional leaders in the country to work together to uphold culture and tradition as a component of co-existence as a nation.
The Sultan reiterated that the Sokoto Caliphate was founded on a principle of knowledge and fairness.
On his arrival at the Abubakar Sadiq III International Airport, Sokoto, Oba Ewuare II was honoured with traditional dances by various Edo state communities resident in Sokoto as well as Yoruba and Hausa cultural troupes.