The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has said that traditional rulers must be insulated from partisan politics.

Mr Ladoja said this when the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Ibadan on Sunday.

The traditional ruler said the call was necessary because people fear those who continue to make decisions about traditional institutions, the consequences of which they do not even understand.

He noted that, historically, the Kano Emirate has existed for more than 1,000 years, adding that it would not be reasonable for anyone to wake up and say he would break it.

Mr Ladoja prayed that reason would prevail in the Kano Emirate and that it would return to what Kano used to be known for.

The Olubadan prayed that the peace reigning in the Emirate would not be fractured.

According to him,  Mr Sanusi even decided to resign as governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria to become Emir.

Mr Ladoja described the visit as historic, saying Kano and Ibadan are regarded as two very accommodating towns in Nigeria because they have a lot in common.

He described Kano as the convergence of Hausa-speaking and Fulani-speaking people and the commercial capital of that region, stressing the need for peace there.

Mr Sanusi said he had maintained close ties with many sons of Ibadan, adding that Ibadan was always a second home to him.

He said that his visit to Ibadan was on the invitation of Islamic clerics in the South-West holding a conference in the city.

Mr Sanusi added that his visit to the Olubadan was part of bridge-building for the unity, progress and prosperity of Nigeria. 

(NAN)