The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, saying anyone familiar with the President’s political journey would understand that he knows what he is doing.
Oba Ladoja spoke with journalists on Friday after paying a courtesy visit to President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, noting that the President’s track record as former governor of Lagos State offers insight into his current approach to national governance.
“If you know where he is coming from, you’ll know that he knows what he’s doing. That is what is most important. He was able to get Lagos from where it was to where he left it, so I am sure that what he is doing now is in the right direction”, the Olubadan said.
The traditional ruler explained that his visit was partly to thank the President for making time to attend his coronation in Ibadan in September last year, adding that he took advantage of his presence in Abuja for the Daily Trust Dialogue to convey the happiness of his people with ongoing developments in the country.
Oba Ladoja acknowledged the complexity of governing Nigeria compared to a single state, pointing out that differing expectations and perspectives across the federation make leadership more challenging.
Nevertheless, he observed that states now have more financial capacity than during his own time in public office and are better positioned to meet their obligations.
“By and large, the economy has to be fixed, and it is being fixed,” he said, expressing hope that by the time President Tinubu completes his tenure in 2031, Nigeria would be a country all citizens can be proud of.
On areas requiring greater attention, Olubadan urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts in food security, healthcare, and, most critically, security.
He lamented that insecurity has made it difficult for farmers to access their farms and is increasingly affecting the southern parts of the country.
Despite these concerns, Oba Ladoja said he believes the challenges are not insurmountable, adding that the President is addressing them in the right way.
