The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has hosted prominent traditional rulers from across South-West Nigeria, who have declared their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting, held at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, took place a day after the monarch attended Governor Seyi Makinde’s final budget presentation at the Oyo State House of Assembly.
At the meeting, the traditional rulers also endorsed the proposed establishment of state police as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture and rejected the reintroduction of fuel subsidy, citing the need for long-term economic sustainability.
The monarchs further expressed support for the continuation of the rotational presidency arrangement, insisting that the presidency should remain in Southern Nigeria in the next electoral cycle.
These positions were contained in a communiqué read by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, at the conclusion of the meeting.
Among the prominent traditional rulers present were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladewusi; Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri; Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Abdulrazaq Adenugba; Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Aladesanmi; and Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adesuyi Hastrup.
Others included the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Saheed Ademola; Oniba of Ibaland, Oba Sulaimon Raji-Ashade; Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Adejimi; Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; and Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Abolarin Adedokun.
Reading the communiqué on behalf of the traditional rulers, Oba Gbadebo said the council unanimously reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu and acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts towards addressing the country’s challenges and advancing its development agenda.
The communiqué stated:
“Traditional rulers of the South-West met to deliberate on matters of regional and national importance. After extensive discussions, the council reaffirmed its support for the President. The council unanimously reaffirmed its unwavering support for His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and his administration.
“The traditional rulers acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government in addressing national challenges and advancing the development agenda of the country.”
The monarchs also called on traditional rulers across the region to intensify grassroots mobilisation and public sensitisation to encourage citizens to support government programmes and policies aimed at promoting economic growth, national stability and social development.
On the issue of rotational presidency, the South-West traditional rulers maintained that the arrangement had contributed significantly to political stability, inclusiveness and national cohesion.
They consequently called for its continuation in the 2027 electoral cycle, arguing that the presidency should remain in Southern Nigeria in the interest of fairness, equity and national unity.
The communiqué read:
“The principle of rotational presidency has, over the years, contributed significantly to political stability, inclusiveness, and national cohesion across Nigeria.
“In the interest of fairness, equity, and the continued strengthening of national unity, the council expressed the view that the rotational arrangement should be sustained and that 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.”
The monarchs explained that their position was informed by the need to strengthen mutual trust among Nigeria’s federating units and preserve the delicate balance required for the country’s continued progress.
On the 2027 general elections, the monarchs urged political parties, candidates and voters to embrace democratic values and avoid activities capable of undermining the electoral process.
They condemned electoral violence, intimidation, vote-buying and other forms of electoral malpractice, stressing the importance of peaceful, free and credible elections at all levels.
“The council underscored the importance of peaceful, free, and credible elections at all levels. It 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 communiqué stated.
The council called on political stakeholders and the electorate to prioritise peace, tolerance and respect for democratic institutions throughout the electoral process.
On the proposed establishment of state police, the traditional rulers expressed support for the initiative, describing it as a strategic measure that could strengthen internal security across the country.
According to the communiqué, the council supported the proposed establishment of state police as part of efforts to improve security and address challenges confronting communities.
The monarchs also urged their colleagues across the region to prepare and sensitise youths in their respective domains to take advantage of possible employment and service opportunities that could emerge from the initiative.
On the economy, the traditional rulers expressed support for the Federal Government’s current position on fuel subsidy, noting the prevailing economic realities and the need for fiscal sustainability.
They maintained that bringing back fuel subsidy would not serve the country’s long-term economic interests.
“The meeting resolved that the reintroduction of fuel subsidy would not serve the long-term interest of national economic development and fiscal sustainability,” the communiqué stated.
In their concluding remarks, the monarchs reaffirmed their commitment to peace, good governance, national unity and sustainable development.
They urged Nigerians to remain law-abiding, support legitimate government initiatives and work collectively towards building a more prosperous, peaceful and secure nation.
