My priority is to foster peace between Yoruba, Hausa people in Kano —Otisese, new Yoruba leader

 A business mogul, Alhaji (Engineer) Murtala Alimi Otisese popularly called MAO, was recently installed and turbaned as ‘Asiwaju Yoruba’ and ‘Igbakeji Oba’ in Kano (second-in-rank) to the Oba of Yoruba) in Kano . The electrical engineering graduate spoke with TESSY UMUNAKWE about his plans for his people and sundry issues.

 

How do you feel  with your new exalted position?

Thank you. Let me start by saying that I am grateful to Almighty Allah.  Whatever I am today is Allah’s doing. I also thank  the Yoruba Community and it’s leadership for counting me worthy to occupy this exalted position of “Igbakeji Oba” . I feel it is a huge responsibility, I feel it is a call to service, and I believe Allah will see me through.

 

Did you have the fore knowledge that you will become an Oba?

No. I never  knew  I will hold this position even though some people had indirectly predicted it. I am an  indigene  of Ibadan, born and bred in Sabon Gari in Kano. The head of my family (Mogaji) in Ibadan once told me to prepare and take over the responsibility of Mogaji but I didn’t respond or give it a thought. About two or three years ago, a friend  also told to me  he had a dream that I was  being addressed as Kabiyesi. I never took him seriously though he often address me so. Actually, it is a surprise to me and to God be the glory.

 

What are your plans for your people?

My priority is to ensure peace between the Yoruba community and  our host community.  I will also ensure the welfare of my people by doing all I can to raise their standards of living. I will  create an enabling environment for them to seek knowledge  and engage in life changing enterprises and assist them to reach the peak of  their callings and profession. In Sha Allah,  Allah  will make it happen.

 

How will you protect your people against ethno-religious violence which is prevalent in the North?

Protection comes from God. Having said that however, I believe information is  vital in guaranteeing the safety of our people. What are the causes of these riots that are prevalent in this part of the country?, How do we nip these riots in the bud? Do we have the data of our people? How fast can we reach them during emergencies? You see, these questions and many more need to be addressed.  We will also ensure synergy between our  community and security agents.

 

How do you think government can improve the nation’s prostrate economy?

I think an enabling environment is a key factor in driving a growing economy. Government needs huge investments in infracstructure . It should also make provisions of micro credit financing for  micro small and medium enterprises. Uninterrupted electricity, good road  networks, rural development, adequate and effective security and enforcement of the law are also critical in this regard. I am of the opinion that if government can put these key elements in place, our economy will be better.

 

Nigerians are divided along ethnic and religious lines, what can the government do foster unity  among the nation’s diverse peoples?

The much needed unity of this country would be achieved and enhanced if our politicians can put their acts together. They should consider their various positions as a call to service and allow the fear of God to rule their hearts in the governance of the country. Let all politicians irrespective of party affiliation have a forum where they rub minds and joke together, that alone would go a long way to douse tension across the country. They should emulate traditional institutions and religious organizations. Our politicians should eschew the politics of bitterness. Politics should not be a do or die matter. The big picture should be Nigeria and Nigerians and her welfare.

 

What is your take on the indigene\ settler dichotomy?

I don’t think there should be dichotomy in this regard. The fact that there’s a dichotomy shows that we are not yet mature.  If you have lived in a particular place outside your place of origin for more 10 years,  you should be  treated as an indigene.  When you live in a place for over 10 years and engage in meaningful ventures and pay your tax , it means the place has become home to you.  You will discover that many times ,  it is the so-called non indigenes that develop a community.  Lagos is developing because the issue is not played up. For instance,  there are  non- natives in the Lagos State House of Assembly and in Ibadan where I come from many investments there are owned by non indigenes .

• Yoruba cultural-tourism experience awaits all at Ife Grand Resorts —Reuben Abib

 

What advice do you have for politicians as the general election draw near?

I want our politicians to play by the rules; they should put the interest of the country above personal gains.  I don’t think God made a mistake by bringing us together. Nigeria is a potentially great nation but our politicians must   be truly and genuinely committed to service to the people.  They must make Nigeria to work. At 58, we should be far above the level we are in presently. At this stage, Nigeria should not only be the leading nation in Africa but a force to reckon with globally. Yes, we can. God has been gracious to us. He has endowed us with human and natural resources. All over the world, Nigerians are rubbing shoulders with their contemporaries. The long and short of it all is that we can be like the developed nations if our rulers and those who govern us can  do the right thing. Our politicians can do it, they can take the country out of the backwaters to the pedestal of reckoning where every Nigerian can be proud of. If we are to attain this height, then we should start by making the coming election peaceful, free and fair. Politicians should eschew politics of bitterness. Let them desist from the politics of character assassination, mud slinging and campaign of calumny. Rather, they should engage in politics of issues . We should, as much as possible,  desist from engaging in violence. Nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian. Life is sacrosanct; nobody can give life so we shouldn’t  engage in activities that would claim the lives of fellow citizens. Politicians should realise that a good name is better than silver or gold, they should realise that the nation can only develop when there’s a free and fair election and when the nation is at peace. The efforts of our heroes past must not be in vain.

 

What do you think qualified you for the new position?

I don’t know the criteria adopted by the kingmakers but all I cansay is that I am usually consulted when there’s a knotty issue to be resolved  and I always mahe my contributions in terms of self-help projects that would benefit the community. With all sense of modesty, I try as mich as possible to foster peace among members of the community

 

What advice do you have for those who aspire to be like you?

My advice is that they should make honesty, hardwork, perseverance and obedience to constituted authority as their watchwords. To God be the glory,  if I can make it there is no one that cannot make it. Whatever your background, no matter where you are coming from, be honest, be hard working and committed to what you do,  show perseverance and be law-abiding. With this mindset, the sky is the limit for anyone

 

How do you relax?

I have free periods mostly on Saturdays and Sundays. I relax by spending time with my family.