The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, has expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain in office for an extended period, citing what he described as the President’s performance and development efforts.
Ladoja spoke on Monday during the flag-off of the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode road, where Tinubu was represented by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The monarch pushed back against suggestions that the gathering was an All Progressives Congress (APC) political event, despite repeated references to the ruling party during the ceremony.
According to Ladoja, Tinubu’s actions should be judged beyond party affiliation because he is serving as President of the entire country.
“Bola Tinubu is not an APC man, no. Bola Tinubu is working and deserves to be president for a long, long time.”
Ladoja said the main purpose of the gathering was to appreciate Tinubu for approving the road project, which he described as significant to the security and economic activities of Ibadan and surrounding communities.
He said residents of the city were particularly concerned about security along the route, noting that the road had been associated with kidnapping incidents.
“Those of us in Ibadan know that the only area in Ibadan, where terrorists have been kidnapping people is this road.”
The monarch said the decision to reconstruct the road showed that the President was responding to the needs of the people.
He further insisted that Tinubu should not be viewed simply as an APC president, but as the President of Nigeria.
“He deserves more than being an APC president. He’s not an APC president. He’s president of Nigeria.”
Ladoja Says Performance Could Boost APC
While distancing the event from party politics, Ladoja acknowledged that Tinubu’s performance could have political consequences for the APC in future elections.
He said opposition parties seeking to defeat the ruling party would need to convince Nigerians that they had a better alternative.
“The only thing I can look at is that his performance is likely to help the APC win elections.”
The Olubadan said he believed the President deserved a long tenure, while noting that other political parties were already positioning themselves ahead of future elections.
He also expressed confidence that voters in Ibadanland would ultimately decide which political direction to take when elections arrive.
“We believe that by the time election comes, the people of Ibadan land will talk.”
The event was attended by Works Minister Dave Umahi, Ogun State Deputy Governor Noimat Salako, APC governorship candidate in Oyo State Sharafdeen Abiodun Ali, and other dignitaries.
Source: Olubadan of Ibadan / event remarks.
