2027: Southwest Obas Declare Support for Tinubu, Insist on Southern Presidency

…As Monarchs endorse state police, oppose subsidy reversal, warn against electoral violence

The Council of Obas and Traditional Rulers of the Southwest has reaffirmed its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration, while recommending that the rotational presidency arrangement be sustained to allow the South to retain the presidency for the next electoral cycle.

The council made the position known in a communiqué issued at the end of its meeting held at the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

The communiqué, which was signed by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo Aremu, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, stated that traditional rulers in the region would continue to mobilise and sensitise their subjects to support government policies and programmes aimed at promoting economic growth, national stability and social development.

On security, the monarchs expressed support for the establishment of state police as part of efforts to strengthen internal security across the country.

They also urged traditional rulers to prepare youths in their respective domains to take advantage of employment opportunities expected to emerge from the initiative.

The council also backed the Federal Government’s position and on fuel subsidy, maintaining that its reintroduction would not promote long-term economic development or fiscal sustainability, given the prevailing economic realities.

On national unity and political stability, the traditional rulers called for stronger collaboration and mutual understanding among Nigeria’s regions, while emphasising the need to protect the political, economic and developmental interests of the Southwest within the federation.

The council further called for peaceful, free and credible elections, condemning electoral violence, vote-buying and other forms of malpractice capable of undermining the nation’s democratic process.

It also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for establishing new military brigades in Oyo State and commended ongoing infrastructure and development projects across the Southwest and the country.

The traditional rulers reiterated their commitment to promoting peace, national cohesion and development through constructive engagement with government at all levels.

The meeting which comprises, The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 1, Alake of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo Aremu III, Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Anyagburem of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi; Elegushi of Ikate Oba Saheed Ademola; Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu- Alagbado; Owa Obokun of Ijesha Land, Oba Haastrup Adesuyi,