The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and performance, declaring that the President deserves to remain in office for a long time.
Oba Ladoja made the declaration on Monday at the flag-off ceremony of the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road, describing the project as a major intervention that would improve security, connectivity and economic activities in Ibadanland and its environs.
The President was represented at the event by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
The Olubadan, while addressing guests and dignitaries at the ceremony, urged participants not to view the gathering as a political rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that the occasion was primarily to appreciate President Tinubu for making the long-awaited road project possible.
“I have 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,” the Olubadan said.
“This is not an APC rally. It is a rally that we are here to thank Mr President for making this road project possible.”
Oba Ladoja described the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road as strategically important to the people of Ibadanland, noting that the route had also been associated with security challenges, including incidents of kidnapping.
According to him, the reconstruction and dualisation of the road would enhance the safety of commuters and residents while boosting economic and social activities across the affected communities.
“Those of us in Ibadan know that the only area in Ibadan where terrorists have been kidnapping people is this road,” the monarch said, expressing optimism that the project would help address the situation.
The Olubadan further stated that President Tinubu’s leadership and performance should be assessed beyond partisan considerations, describing him as the President of all Nigerians.
“He deserves more than being an APC President. He’s not an APC President. He’s President of Nigeria,” Oba Ladoja said.
The revered monarch, however, acknowledged that the President’s performance could strengthen the chances of the APC 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 stated.
Oba Ladoja also maintained that political parties seeking to challenge the ruling party must demonstrate their capacity to offer Nigerians a credible 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 Ibadanland would make their political choices at the appropriate time, noting that the will of the people would ultimately prevail.
“We believe that by the time election comes, the people of Ibadanland will talk,” the Olubadan declared.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, alongside other eminent personalities and stakeholders.
