Key Takeaways
- The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, lauded President Bola Tinubu's performance, advocating for his extended tenure in office.
- The monarch emphasized Tinubu's role as a national leader, transcending partisan politics, despite the event's political undertones.
- Ladoja highlighted the critical importance of the Ibadan-Ijebu Road dualisation project for regional safety and economic growth.
- He acknowledged that Tinubu's effective governance could indirectly bolster the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)'s electoral prospects.
- The Olubadan urged other political parties to demonstrate tangible visibility and capacity to challenge the incumbent.
The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, has publicly expressed his strong support for President Bola Tinubu, stating that the Nigerian leader “deserves to remain in office for a long time” due to his administration’s performance. The revered monarch made these significant remarks on Monday during the flag-off ceremony for the dualisation of the strategic Ibadan-Ijebu Road in Ogun State, an event where President Tinubu was represented by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun.
Despite repeated references to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) throughout the ceremony, Oba Ladoja firmly asserted that the gathering should not be misconstrued as an APC rally. He clarified his stance, stating, “I’ve been hearing everybody talking APC, APC. Bola Tinubu is not an APC man, no. Bola Tinubu is working and deserves to be president for a long, long time.” This statement underscores a desire to view presidential actions through a lens of national service rather than strict party affiliation.
Beyond Party Lines: A National President
Oba Ladoja passionately argued that President Tinubu’s efforts extend beyond the confines of party politics, positioning him as a leader for all Nigerians. “This is not an APC rally. It is a rally that we are here to thank Mr. President for making this road project possible,” he reiterated. The monarch’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among some traditional rulers who often strive to maintain a non-partisan image while advocating for the welfare of their people and acknowledging governmental achievements.
He further elaborated, “He deserves more than being an APC president. He’s not an APC president. He’s president of Nigeria.” This distinction highlights the expectation that a national leader should prioritize the collective good over party interests, a sentiment that resonates deeply within Nigeria's diverse political landscape.
The Critical Ibadan-Ijebu Road Project
The core of the Olubadan’s commendation stemmed from President Tinubu’s approval of the Ibadan-Ijebu Road project, which he described as vital for the safety and economic well-being of residents in Ibadan and its environs. This road, a crucial artery connecting Oyo and Ogun states, has historically been a hotspot for security concerns, particularly kidnappings and other criminal activities. “Those of us in Ibadan know that the only area in Ibadan, where terrorists have been kidnapping people is this road,” the monarch revealed, emphasizing the tangible impact of the project on public safety.
The dualisation of this road is expected to significantly improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and enhance security along the corridor. Beyond safety, the road serves as a critical economic link, facilitating the movement of goods, agricultural produce, and people, thereby boosting trade and regional development. Tinubu’s decision to embark on this project, according to Ladoja, demonstrates a profound concern for the populace, reinforcing the idea that his performance should be evaluated on tangible outcomes rather than political affiliations.
Political Ramifications and Future Elections
While stressing Tinubu’s national role, Oba Ladoja did acknowledge the potential political implications of the President’s performance. He conceded that effective governance could naturally strengthen the ruling party’s standing. “The only thing I can look at is that his performance is likely to help the APC win elections. So, we are not discounting the performance of Mr. President at all,” he stated.
The Olubadan also challenged opposition parties, suggesting they must demonstrate greater visibility and capacity to offer viable alternatives to the electorate. He noted, “We believe he deserves a long tenure, even though other parties are scrambling to say they are there when they are not visible.” Ultimately, he expressed confidence that the people of Ibadan would make their informed political choices when the time for elections arrives, asserting, “We believe that by the time election comes, the people of Ibadan land will talk.”
The flag-off ceremony was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including Works Minister Dave Umahi, Ogun State Deputy Governor Noimat Salako, and the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Sharafdeen Abiodun Ali, among others, underscoring the project’s significance.
Why This Matters
The Olubadan’s strong endorsement of President Tinubu, framed around performance and national interest rather than partisan loyalty, highlights the complex interplay between traditional authority, governance, and public perception in Nigeria. His remarks not only lend significant moral weight to the administration's efforts but also set a precedent for evaluating leadership based on tangible development projects like critical infrastructure, potentially influencing public discourse and future electoral dynamics beyond conventional party lines.