By Ado Hassan, Sokoto
THE Oba of Benin Kingdom, HRM, Omo N’Oba Ewuare II has called on the traditional institutions to support the Federal Government in harnessing the benefits of cultural ethos to keep Nigeria as one indivisible entity.
He said Nigeria was a great country with unlimited potentials for growth which all must join hands to uphold its integrity.
The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II spoke Monday in Sokoto during a royal visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad a’ad Abubakar in his palace to thank him for his unprecedented strides as a bridge builder for peace, unity and harmony.
Oba Ewuare II noted that the traditional institution and rulers were the repository and custodians of reverred cultural and traditional values and norms.
” Nigeria’s unity is paramount and should be indivisible by promoting cultural exchange programmes to consolidate our cultural interactions “, he pointed out.
He noted that the country had for some time being faced with huge security challenges occasioned by avoidable humanitarian crisis of unimaginable proportions.
According to him” it behoves on us as traditional rulers to constantly imbibe in our people the need to respect our cultural values which teach tolerance and respect for one another.”
He said the Benin city and indeed, Edo state have earned the status of a cosmopolitan society where every citizen of Nigeria irrespective of tribe, religion, ethnic beliefs and affiliation were welcome and feel at home.
He further noted the role of the traditional institutions and authority in building a harmonious society which he said cannot be over emphasised.
He told the Sultan not to relent in his efforts at ensuring continued unity of the country, adding that” I urge you not to relent, as history will be kind to you when the story of a united, strong and prosperous Nigeri is being told to generations yet unborn.”
Speaking, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III said traditional institutions have the duty to face the challenges of leadership by giving their best to the people.
He told the Benin Monrach that the caliphate was founded on the principles of knowledge, justice and fairness.
According to him” these were the core attributes of the caliphate as an institution.
” As leaders, we have to put our experiences and hold on to our cultures and traditions as components for our coexistence as a society”, he urged.
The revered leader further commended Oba Ewuare II for loving and impacting positively in the lives of his people through various developmental projects and initiative since assuming the throne.
” That is our difference with politicians. We don’t seek for votes but show compassion, love and concern for our people.
” Whatever is good for our people, we do that to maintain the culture and traditions as well promote respect”, he added.
However, present to receive the Benin Monarch were the Emirs of Gwandu, Alhaji Iliyasu Bashar; Gumi, Alhaji Lawal Gumi and that of Argungu, Alhaji Ismaila Muhammadu Mera.
On the large delegation of the Benin Kingdom were former IGP, Solomon Arase, and top traditional chiefs