Traditional rulers from across South-West Nigeria have endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term, saying the presidency should remain in the region after the next election.
The monarchs announced their position in a communiqué issued after a meeting at the Olubadan’s palace in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. They also urged fellow traditional rulers across the South-West to mobilise support for the president in their communities.
More than 10 monarchs attended the meeting, including the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. Others included the Oniru of Iru, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal (Abisogun II), the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin (Aroyinkeye I), and the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi.
The council said it unanimously reaffirmed its support for Tinubu and his administration after deliberating on national issues. It acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts to address the country’s challenges and urged monarchs to engage residents on government policies and programmes aimed at economic growth, national stability and social development.
The traditional rulers said retaining the presidency in the South-West at the next election would sustain the principle of power rotation, which they credited with promoting peace, balance and mutual trust among ethnic groups. They also pledged to strengthen ties with northern Nigeria and other parts of the federation to promote national unity.
On security, the council backed the proposed establishment of state police, saying it could strengthen internal security. The monarchs said they would encourage young people in their communities to take up opportunities created by the initiative if it goes ahead.
The rulers also thanked Tinubu for establishing new military formations in Oyo State, saying the move would help protect lives and property across the region. They commended the Federal Government for ongoing infrastructure projects in the South-West and elsewhere in the country.
The council backed the Federal Government’s position on fuel subsidy, saying it had considered prevailing economic conditions. It also called for continued engagement in national affairs to ensure the interests of the South-West were represented.
Ahead of the elections, the monarchs called for peaceful and fair voting at all levels. They condemned electoral violence, intimidation, vote buying and other malpractices, urging politicians and citizens to uphold democratic rules before, during and after the polls.
The council resolved to meet regularly to discuss welfare, security and development in the South-West and across the country. It reaffirmed its commitment to peace, good governance and national unity, and urged residents to remain law-abiding and support lawful government initiatives.
