Sultan Of Sokoto Preaches Religious Tolerance During Visit To Olubadan
•By KAZEEM OYENIYI
IBADAN – The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Sen.) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusag1), has described the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, as a detribalised leader committed to religious tolerance, harmony and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
Oba Ladoja made the remark on Tuesday in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, during a courtesy and solidarity visit by the Sultan and his entourage to the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
The Olubadan praised the Sultan—who is Nigeria’s National President of the Traditional Rulers Council—as a military officer, diplomat and religious leader groomed in Ibadan, adding that his exemplary tolerance should be emulated by all religious leaders to prevent religious crises in the country.
Oba Ladoja also appreciated the Sultan’s prayers for long life and successful reign. He further commended him, in his capacity as Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, for facilitating the appointment of the first Ibadan indigene, Prof. Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, as Vice-Chancellor of the institution since its establishment in 1948.
Earlier, Sultan Abubakar said he led a delegation drawn from the six geo-political zones to pay homage to the Olubadan and express gratitude to the people of Ibadan for providing the land on which the University of Ibadan was built.
“We are here on a solidarity visit to our Chief Landlord to express our gratitude for not only giving us the land on which the University was built but also providing us the enabling environment,” he said.
The Sultan assured the monarch that the University of Ibadan would continue to consult him for guidance and support when necessary.
The event was attended by members of the Sultan’s entourage, top management of the University of Ibadan, traditional rulers, and the President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief (Barr.) Ajeniyi Ajewole, among other dignitaries.
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