Alaafin of Oyo visits Sultan of Sokoto Caliphate in palace
By KEMI KASUMU
“We are very happy for this visit, Alaafin. We don’t take it for granted. We know what it takes to be here. In the whole world, we face insecurity everywhere and we are having our own share of this insecurity in Nigeria. I believe when we, traditional rulers, sit down together we will inshallah resolve all the issues.”
The recently installed Alaafin of Oyo Empire, Oba Abimbola Hakeem Owoade, paid what has been described by many across the North and South West as historical visit on the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman, National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria (NTRCN), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, on Monday May 18, 2025.
The DEFENDER reports that, for the Sultan to come out from his high throne to personally receive the Alaafin on his arrival, it is an indicated that the very important Yoruba monarch is not just an ally in the traditional institution but also a top priority in the Sultan’s quest to achieve a more united, peaceful and forward moving Nigeria.
It will be recalled that Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi,Ojaja II, is Co-Chairman of the NTRCN steering the affairs of Nigerian traditional rulers together with the multifaceted monarch that is also the Co-President of the World’s Religions for Peace headquartered in the New York, United States of America, President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Co-Chairman of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC).
The Sultan’s Palace received the Alaafin on Monday amidst trumpeting and funfare symbolizing respect and warm reception accorded the revered Yoruba monarch.
While addressing his host, Alaafin Owoade , who thanked the Sultan for his good work and warm reception accorded him in the Caliphate, said, “I’m using this opportunity as well to secure a collaboration. You have been doing very well with my predecessor Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi.”
The Alaafin, who had on his entourage the lawmaker representing Oyo Federal Constituency in Abuja, Prince Hakeem Adeyemi, and members of the Oyomesi, later met with Yoruba indigenes from Oyo residing in Sokoto State at the Sultan’s Palace during when he urged them to maintain peaceful co-existence with their host community, emphasising the importance of being good ambassadors of Yoruba heritage.
Responding, the Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar recalled the critical role traditional rulers played before the amalgamation of the Northern Protectorate, Southern Protectorate and the Colony of Lagos and their continued relevance in the modern day Nigeria.
The Sokoto monarch stressed that unity among traditional institutions is crucial for the country’s progress and stability.
The Sultan said, “Today we want to thank you for this visit because the visit is very, very important at least for this country, Nigeria, to see us sitting down together cracking jokes and praying for each other here in Sokoto.
“I was very visible in Oyo when I went for the coronation. We were there during the Alaafin the old. This is a brand new Alaafin, although he is never a brand new because, no king except that from birth has been anointed by Almighty Allah that you will be the king and that you will come to be what you want to be and nobody can stop you.
“Upon assumption of office, definitely, you are in a normal environment because every prince that grew up within the precinct of royal family and has the blood of royalty in him. Today we have our brother here with us because, for so many years we have not witnessed the coronation of Alaafin of Oyo till that day (Owoade was installed).
“Today another history is made because the same Alaafin – within weeks, month of his coronation – is here to say “Yes, we are one big family and that yes it is a very, very strong move to solve many problems facing us as humanity.” We believe dialogue is the best way of resolving any human problem.
“We are very happy for this visit, Alaafin. We don’t take it for granted. We know what it takes to be here. In the whole world, we face insecurity everywhere and we are having our own share of this insecurity in Nigeria. I believe when we, traditional rulers, sit down together we will inshallah resolve all the issues.
“Most of the times we sit down to discuss some of these issues and we have solutions to our problems and we will be allowed to implement some of these solutions because we know our people more than any other person,” the the Sultan.
With the Sultan while receiving the Alaafin were senior members of the Sultanate Council, Sokoto including the Waziri of Sokoto, His Royal Highness Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Barrister) Rilwanu Bello, the Magajin Rafin Sokoto, His Royal Highness Alhaji Aliyu Attahiru Galadanci, the Galadiman Gari of Sokoto, and His Royal Highness Dr. Muhammad Jabbi Kilgori, Sarkin Kilgori, women leaders of both the host and residents communities among others others.
The visit of the Alaafin to the Sultan was taking place few days after the Alaafin had met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja.
