At Olu Of Warri, Emir Of Kano’s Coronations, Buhari Warns Leaders To Shun Divisive Attitude

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has called on emerging leaders in the country to rid the nation of divisiveness and unite the people, just as he advised them to keep their time-honoured traditions.

President Buhari spoke at the inauguration ceremonies of both the Emir of Bichi, Nasiru Ado Bayero and the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atutwase III, on Saturday.

In his address, read on his behalf by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, his Chief of Staff, at the emir’s coronation, the President said the prevailing circumstances of the nation impose a demand on leaders to “display their qualities and work earnestly for continued peace and unity.”

The president said: “Your turbanning at a providential time like this in the history of our country when the prevailing social and socioeconomic conditions have created an opportunity for emerging leaders to display their qualities and work earnestly for continued peace and unity.

‘‘Your father, my friend the late Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, was a symbol of unity, not only within his Kingdom but also within Northern Nigeria and the whole country.”

Going down memory lane, President Buhari said “when we remember Ado Bayero, we remember unity, we remember simplicity and good leadership, a leader who devoted his life to unify the nation.

“I remember with nostalgia, the passion and commitment he always exhibited in the pursuit of anything he believed in, a distinctive character that almost cost him his life prematurely on 19th January, 2013 because of his vociferous stand against the Boko Haram terrorists.”

President Buhari expressed optimism that the new Emir will exhibit similar qualities and “even much more, as he has begun to exhibit” within the few months of his reign.

In Warri, President Buhari, who described the Olu, Atuwatse III as the new monarch of the time, said his sound educational background and exposure have prepared him well to bring further peace and prosperity to his people.

Represented by Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege at the ceremony held at Ode-Itsekiri, the cradle of all Itsekiri in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, on Saturday, the president expressed utmost delight at the occasion.

“I’m delighted to join millions of Nigerians on your ascension of the exalted throne as the 21st Olu of Warri.

“Your ascension to the throne is ordained by God. As the youngest Olu of Warri, you’re the monarch of this time.

“You’re well-educated and a successful entrepreneur with national and international work experience.

“Your royal majesty is blessed with vision and mission and fully equipped to look back and forge ahead with the people for the future.

“I’m settled that you’ll continue the 500 years noble tradition, and your reign will witness improved peace, progress and development of your people and the nation,” he prayed. Speaking, Omo-Agege urged the new Olu to count on him for support at any point in time, adding he’s a representative for all Deltans.

The Oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye, while congratulating the youngest Olu of Warri in history, urged the 37-year-old Olu to be a father to all Itsekiri, good or bad.

“We’re happy from the throne of Oodua. A fantastic 21st Olu of Warri. We can feel the energy in the air.

“You’re loved by your people. I appeal to you as a father to be good to the good and the bad and the ugly. Embrace the entire kingdom. “Extend a hand of fellowship to all. Extend a fatherly hand to all. We have a very charismatic, handsome and adorable king. God’ll guide you,” the Oni said.

Addressing his people after he was crowned with a brand new golden crown at exactly 3:24p.m by the Uwuangwe of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III, rendered about five Christian worship songs to acknowledge his being subject to a higher divine authority.

This was greeted by loud ovations from the mammoth crowd that flooded OdeItsekiri (Big Warri), ancestral home of all Itsekiri and venue of the Coronation.