The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has expressed cautious optimism about Nigeria’s future under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying he believes the country would be in a position Nigerians can be proud of by the time the president leaves office in 2031.
The traditional ruler made the remarks on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Oba Ladoja said the visit was primarily to thank the president for recognising and honouring traditional institutions, noting that he had been seeking the opportunity to formally express his appreciation since his coronation on September 26.
“I have been trying to thank Mr President since September 26, but the opportunity had not come until now,” the monarch said, explaining that he was able to meet the president while in Abuja.
Speaking on his assessment of the Tinubu administration, the Olubadan said he was pleased with the direction of governance so far, despite prevailing public concerns over economic hardship and insecurity.
“We are very happy with what is happening in the country,” he said.
The monarch attributed his confidence partly to President Tinubu’s background as a former governor of Lagos State, recalling how the president transformed the state during his tenure.
According to him, governing Nigeria presents far greater challenges than administering a single state due to the country’s diversity and competing expectations.
“Nigeria is not like a state. It is a complex country with different people who want different things,” he said.
Oba Ladoja also observed that state governments are currently better positioned financially than in the past, noting that states now receive more funds than during his time as governor, enabling them to better meet financial obligations.
On the economy, the Olubadan acknowledged existing difficulties but expressed confidence that ongoing reforms would yield results over time.
“The economy has to be fixed, and it is being fixed,” he said, adding that he hopes President Tinubu would have laid a solid foundation for national progress by 2031.
However, the monarch identified food security, healthcare and insecurity as critical areas requiring urgent attention.
He warned that insecurity, particularly in rural areas, has discouraged farmers from returning to their farms, posing a serious threat to food production and economic stability.
“If farmers are afraid to go to their farms, then we have a big problem,” he said.
He also called for significant investment in healthcare, urging the establishment of standard hospitals capable of meeting Nigerians’ needs locally.
The Olubadan noted that insecurity has created widespread fear across the country, affecting daily economic activities and movement.
“Everybody is apprehensive,” he said.
Despite these concerns, Oba Ladoja maintained that Nigeria’s challenges are not insurmountable, expressing belief that the country is on a gradual path toward improvement.
His visit underscores the growing involvement of traditional rulers in national discourse, as voices offering both support and constructive expectations for governance.
As Nigeria looks toward 2031, the monarch said President Tinubu’s legacy would ultimately be judged by tangible improvements in security, food availability, healthcare and the general welfare of citizens.
