Deputy senate president, Osun monarch preach unity

The Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, have harped on unity, saying the beauty and strength of the country are in her diversity.

Barau on Tuesday hosted the Oluwo of Iwo, a first-class traditional ruler in Osun State, in his office at the National Assembly, Abuja.

While interacting, the duo said Nigerians, irrespective of their places of origin, should promote unity and work for the development of the country.

Barau described the role of traditional rulers in promoting unity as paramount to the peaceful coexistence and development of the country.

He said, “Traditional rulers have key roles to play in national unity and development. As such, we implore them to always use every opportunity to promote unity and peaceful coexistence among all in the country. In and out of their domains, traditional rulers should continue to propagate the messages of unity, peace, and tolerance.”

Earlier in his remarks, the traditional ruler said diversity is the beauty of Nigeria.

Oluwo said, “Diversity is the beauty of Nigeria. This is why we can boast of over 200m population. Only Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa cannot boast of this number. Unity is our pride. We will live together forever.

“That is why I married my wife from Kano, the Northern part of the country to promote national unity. We still need that unity and we will stay together forever and ever.”

Commending the Deputy Senate President for his various intervention and empowerment programmes, he said he was endeared to Barau by his leadership style.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the pride of Lagos and the South, I pray Almighty God to make you the pride of Kano and the entire North,” he said.