The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, has said President Bola Tinubu deserves to remain in office for a long time, citing what he described as the positive impact of his administration.
Ladoja made the statement on Monday during the flag-off ceremony for the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road in Ogun State. Tinubu was represented at the event by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun.
The monarch stressed that the gathering should not be regarded as an All Progressives Congress, APC, political rally, despite the repeated references to the ruling party during the ceremony.
“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,” Ladoja said.
He explained that the main purpose of the gathering was to appreciate the President for approving the road project, which he described as important to the safety, movement and economic activities of residents of Ibadan and surrounding communities.
“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 stated.
Ladoja noted that the road had previously been associated with security challenges, particularly kidnapping incidents, adding that its reconstruction would improve connectivity and enhance safety.
“Those of us in Ibadan know that the only area in Ibadan, where terrorists have been kidnapping people is this road,” the monarch said.
According to him, Tinubu’s approval of the project demonstrated his administration’s concern for the welfare of Nigerians and should not be judged solely through the lens of party politics.
“He deserves more than being an APC president. He’s not an APC president. He’s president of Nigeria,” Ladoja added.
The Olubadan, however, acknowledged that Tinubu’s performance could boost the APC’s chances in future elections.
“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 said.
Ladoja further stated that opposition parties seeking to defeat the APC would have to convince Nigerians that they could provide a better alternative.
“We believe he deserves a long tenure, even though other parties are scrambling to say they are there when they are not visible,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the people of Ibadan would ultimately decide their political choice when the next election arrives.
“We believe that by the time election comes, the people of Ibadan land will talk,” the monarch stated.
The ceremony was attended by Works Minister Dave Umahi, Ogun State Deputy Governor Noimat Salako, APC governorship candidate in Oyo State Sharafdeen Abiodun Ali, among other dignitaries.
