2027: Yoruba monarchs endorse Tinubu, back state police

Traditional rulers from across the South-West region, on Wednesday, endorsed the continuation of President Bola Tinubu in office beyond 2027.

The paramount rulers, who also threw their weight behind the proposed establishment of state police to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, rejected the return of fuel subsidy.

These were contained in a communique read by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, after their meeting at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State.

At the meeting 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 were 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, Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Abolarin Adedokun and others.

Reading the communique on behalf of other monarchs, Oba Gbadebo said the rotational presidency arrangement had contributed significantly to political stability, inclusiveness and national cohesion, saying the arrangement should be sustained in the next electoral cycle.

On national leadership, the monarchs unanimously reaffirmed their support for Tinubu, acknowledging the efforts of the Federal Government in addressing the country’s challenges and advancing its development agenda.

The council also urged traditional rulers across the region to intensify grassroots mobilisation and sensitisation to encourage citizens to support government programmes and policies aimed at promoting economic growth, national stability and social development.

The communique read, “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.”

Speaking on the rotational presidency, the council said, “The principle of rotational presidency has, over the years, contributed significantly to political stability, inclusiveness, and national cohesion across Nigeria.

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“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 the federating units and preserve the delicate balance required for the country’s continued progress.

On the 2027 general elections, the traditional rulers called on political parties, candidates and the electorate to embrace democratic values and shun activities capable of undermining the electoral process.

They condemned electoral violence, intimidation, vote-buying and other forms of electoral malpractice, emphasising the need for 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.

Speaking on the planned creation of state police, the monarchs said: “The council expressed support for the proposed establishment of state police as a strategic measure to strengthen internal security.”

They admonished the monarchs in their respective domains to prepare and sensitise youths across the region to take advantage of future employment and service opportunities that may arise from the initiative.

On fuel subsidy, the council noted the economic realities confronting the nation and expressed support for the Federal Government’s current position on fuel subsidy.

“The meeting resolved that the reintroduction of fuel subsidy would not serve the long-term interest of national economic development and fiscal sustainability.”

In their concluding remarks, the monarchs reaffirmed their commitment to peace, good governance, national unity and sustainable development, urging Nigerians to remain law-abiding, support legitimate government initiatives and work collectively towards building a more prosperous and secure country.