Traditional rulers from the six states in Nigeria’s Southwest region yesterday declared their support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reaffirming their confidence in his leadership and administration.
They hinged their decision on the need to sustain the rotational arrangement that allows for justice and equity in access to the presidency by the North and South.
According to them, the presidency should remain in South in the next electoral cycle in the spirit of fairness.
They also commended the various policies and reforms initiative the Federal Government under the President Tinubu-led administration.
Their resolves formed parts of decisions reached and presented in a communique made available after their meeting at the Oke-Aremo palace of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Ibadan, in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The communique was read by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Gbadebo who was accompanied by the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye and Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Aladesanmi.
No fewer than twenty-two monarchs from Lagos, Ekiti, Oyo, Ogun, Osun and Ondo, signed the 10-paragraph communiqué on behalf of the Council of Obas and Traditional Rulers of the Southwest, who converged to deliberate on critical matters of national and regional importance.
They are: Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Owa Obokun of Ijesaland Oba Adesuyi Hastrup and Orangun of Oke-Ila Oba Abolarin Adedokun (Osun); Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Rashidi Ladoja; Soun of Ogbomoso Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye; Aseyin of Iseyin Oba Sefiu Adeyeri and Balogun of Ibadanland Oba Tajudeen Ajibola (Oyo); Alake of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III); Akarigbo of Remo Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi Ebumawe of Ago Iwoye Oba Abdilrasq Adenugba; Olu of Ilaro Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle and Olofin of Isheri Oba Sulaiman Adekunle Bangbade (Ogun).
Others are: Deji of Akure Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladewusi and Olowo of Owo Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye (Ondo); Ewi of Ado Ekiti Oba Rufus Aladesanmi; Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu-Alagbado and Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole (Ekiti); Ayangburen of Ikorodu Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi; Elegushi of Ikate Land Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi; Oniba of Iba Land Oba Sulaimon Raji-Asade; Alara of Ilara Epe Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo; Osolu of Irewe, Ojo Oba Abideen Adekanbi Durosimi (Lagos).
Read Also: 2027: Atiku, Obi campaigning on ‘social media’, have nothing to offer Nigerians, says Tinubu
After their discussions on a wide range issues including governance, security and economy, they laid emphasis on continuity, national unity and structural advancement.
Central to the deliberations was the official affirmation of support for the president, with the council announcing that it “unanimously reaffirmed its unwavering support for His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and his administration.” NigerianNewspaper Access
The communiqué reads: “The traditional rulers acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government in addressing national challenges and advancing the development agenda of the country; leadership continuity is vital for consolidating ongoing national reforms.
“To bridge grassroots governance with federal objectives, the council harped on the mobilization of citizens in support of government programs. In driving this mandate, the royal leadership urged all Southwest kings and traditional rulers to continue sensitizing and mobilising citizens within their respective domains to support government programs and policies that are designed to promote economic growth, national stability, and social development.”
Security also took center stage during the high-level meeting, where the royal fathers deliberated extensively on internal safety measures.
Declared its support for the state police initiative, the assembly “expressed support for the proposed establishment of state police as a strategic measure to strengthen internal security.
“Furthermore, traditional rulers were charged to prepare and sensitize youths across the region to take advantage of future employment and service opportunities that may arise from the initiative.”
On fiscal policies and macro-economic realities, the council focused its attention on the position on fuel subsidy.
They said: “The economic realities confronting the nation and expressed support for the Federal Government’s current position on fuel subsidy.
Related News
Tinubu tasks corporate directors on $1tr economy target
ADC accuses Tinubu, APC of obstructing campaign over Arewa House closure
Speaker: Tinubu’s request for N10.8 tr borrowing not new
“The reintroduction of fuel subsidy would not serve the long-term interest of national economic development and fiscal sustainability.”
In safeguarding regional priorities, the monarchs emphasized the protection and advancement of Southwest interests, noting that the “council discussed the need for continued vigilance and strategic engagement in national affairs to ensure that the political, economic, and developmental interests of the Southwest region remain adequately represented and protected within the Nigerian Federation.”
On national integration, the council championed the promotion of national unity and cohesion.
Recognizing the imperative of collective harmony, they said: “The Council called for stronger collaboration and mutual understanding among all regions of the country.
“The traditional rulers specifically pledged to foster constructive engagement with their counterparts in Northern Nigeria and other parts of the federation in the interest of peace, unity, and national development.”
The council further highlighted the historical precedent of power sharing, observing that the “principle of rotational presidency has over the years contributed significantly to political stability, inclusiveness, and national cohesion across Nigeria.”
Stressing the pillars of fairness and equity, the assembly expressed the firm view that “the rotational arrangement should be sustained and the presidency should remain in Southern Nigeria in the next electoral cycle, in line with the spirit of power rotation that has helped preserve peace and stability in the country.”
They emphasized that this position is intended to “promote national balance, mutual trust among federating units, and the continued progress of the Nigerian state.”
Stressing the sanctity of the ballot box, the royal fathers issued a strong commitment to peaceful elections, noting the importance of “peaceful, free, and credible elections at all levels.
“The council condemned all forms of electoral violence, intimidation, vote-buying, and other electoral malpractices, urging political actors and citizens alike to uphold democratic values before, during, and after elections.”
The meeting also registered an appreciation for the establishment of new military formations in Ekiti and Oyo States.
“The council expressed profound appreciation to the President for the establishment of new military brigades in Oyo State. The development would significantly enhance security architecture within the Southwest and contribute to the protection of lives and property.”
On developmental strides, they said: “The council commended the President and the Federal Government for ongoing development of infrastructure and initiatives across the Southwest and the nation.”
They acknowledged the “positive impact of these projects on economic activities, connectivity, and overall national development.”
To maintain momentum, the council resolved to “maintain regular consultations and strategic engagements on issues affecting the welfare, security, and development of the Southwest region and Nigeria as a whole.”
The traditional rulers reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, good governance and national unity, while calling on all citizens to remain law-abiding and work collectively toward a prosperous and secure nation.
