On Sunday, a presidential aspirant on the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, paid a visit to top traditional rulers in Oyo State as part of his efforts at reaching out and consulting relevant stakeholders.
The former Lagos State governor first visited the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, where thousands of his admirers, supporters, loyalists and political associates kept vigil to receive him in style. They welcomed him with drums, singing, dancing and fanfare.
While addressing the Alaafin on his mission, the APC National Leader appreciated the First Class monarch for his support over the years. He pointed out that he (Alaafin) has been his royal special adviser who tells him the truth all the time on any matter. The former governor also comically appealed to those he described as youths to stay calm in pursuing their ambition for the presidential slot and allow him to serve his term first.
He stated: “Kabiyesi, you are always my special adviser, many times when you call me inside to talk to me, you tell me the truth, and I cannot make a move in my bid to become the president of Nigeria without coming to pay homage and receive a royal blessing from you. All I came for today is to seek your blessing, your cooperation, your prayers for me to become the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Responding, the Alaafin called on all and sundry to support the Tinubu project, noting that anyone who works should be the same person to reap the benefit of his labour and effort and later released royal blessings and prayers on the former Lagos State Governor.
Alaafin said: “As you are informing us, we are happy and always proud of you. All you elders who own Yorubaland, help your son who has come to you to seek support. You, traditional rulers, endorse his request with a yes. We have given you our prayers because you came first, and my ancestors have heard this today. The desire of your heart come 2023 will be a reality.”
The monarch and the APC stalwart later proceeded into the private chamber of the palace for a meeting held behind closed doors, which lasted for about 30minutes.
Shortly after the meeting, Tinubu flew to Ibadan to pay homage to the Olubadan-designate, Oba Lekan Balogun, who was recently approved as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
In his remark, Oba Balogun, who spoke through his brother and Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Dr Kola Balogun, lamented the unsavoury state of the nation’s unity, just as he called for a leader that would pull back the country from the brink of destruction come 2023.
He said: “Nigeria is badly divided today, and we are looking forward to a Yoruba president that will unite the country, come 2023. We need a leader that has a national focus and acceptability; the road may be rough, but, by God’s grace, you will triumph.”
Tinubu, who was accompanied by the top members of his campaign group, said he was honoured to be in Ibadan, disclosing that the purpose is to beg the monarch and Ibadan people to pray for him in his quest to become the country’s president.
He stated: “I came here to request for your prayer for me and the Yoruba race. We are at a crossroads; people are volunteering to confront me when asked who would confront the Lion of Bourdilon? I’m out to become President of Nigeria. No intimidation, no blackmail can stop me.”
Tinubu congratulated the new Olubadan for the grace to ascend the throne, which he said would give the ancient city a new outlook considering Dr Balogun’s robust background, an educationist, politician of progressive-leaning and a humanist and prayed for long life and sound health for the new Olubadan.
In his opening remark, the leader of the campaign group, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, traced the historical linkage between Ibadan and Lagos and requested that if a Lagosian is seeking the support of Ibadan people as they are doing, it was not out of place.
E/Suzan O.
