The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, has declared that President Bola Tinubu deserves to remain in office for a long time, citing what he described as the President’s performance in office.
Ladoja made the declaration on Monday at the flag-off ceremony for the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu Road in Ogun State, where Tinubu was represented by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The monarch, however, insisted that the gathering should not be regarded as an All Progressives Congress (APC) political rally, despite repeated references to the ruling party during the event.
“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 said the gathering was primarily organised to appreciate Tinubu for approving the road project, which he described as important to the safety and economic wellbeing of residents of Ibadan and neighbouring 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 said.
Ladoja also highlighted the security concerns associated with the road, particularly incidents of kidnapping, saying the reconstruction would improve safety and connectivity along the route.
“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 Olubadan said Tinubu’s decision to undertake the project demonstrated that the President was concerned about 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 said.
The monarch acknowledged that Tinubu’s performance could nevertheless strengthen 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 also dismissed the strength of opposition parties challenging the ruling APC, saying those seeking to unseat Tinubu would have to convince Nigerians that they could provide 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 voters in Ibadan would ultimately determine the political direction of the city when elections arrive.
“We believe that by the time election comes, the people of Ibadan land will talk,” the monarch said.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Works Dave Umahi, Ogun State Deputy Governor Noimat Salako, APC governorship candidate in Oyo State Sharafdeen Abiodun Ali and other dignitaries.
