Daud Olatunji
Traditional rulers across the South-West have endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office ahead of the 2027 presidential election, declaring their support for the retention of the presidency in Southern Nigeria.
The monarchs also threw their weight behind the removal of fuel subsidy and the proposed establishment of state police, describing both policies as necessary measures for Nigeria’s economic sustainability and improved security.
The endorsement was announced in Ibadan, Oyo State, through a communiqué read by the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Gbadebo, at the end of a meeting held at the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
In the communiqué, the traditional rulers argued that retaining the presidency in Southern Nigeria in 2027 would sustain the country’s rotational presidency arrangement and promote political stability, fairness, inclusiveness and national cohesion.
They maintained that the continuation of the power rotation arrangement was important to preserving the balance in Nigeria’s political structure.
The monarchs also urged traditional rulers across the South-West to mobilise their subjects and encourage support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
On the controversial removal of fuel subsidy, the traditional rulers backed the President’s decision, arguing that returning to the subsidy regime would undermine Nigeria’s long-term economic interests and efforts towards fiscal sustainability.
They also endorsed the proposed establishment of state police, describing it as a strategic step towards strengthening internal security and improving the protection of lives and property.
The monarchs urged traditional rulers to sensitise youths in their respective communities to explore possible employment and service opportunities that could arise from the proposed state policing arrangement.
On the security situation in the South-West, the council commended Tinubu for establishing new military formations in Oyo State, saying the development would reinforce the region’s security architecture and improve its capacity to tackle emerging threats.
The traditional rulers further applauded the Federal Government over ongoing infrastructure projects and other development initiatives across the South-West and the country, noting that the projects would enhance connectivity and stimulate economic activities.
They also pledged to deepen consultations and collaboration with traditional rulers in Northern Nigeria and other parts of the country to promote mutual understanding, peaceful coexistence and national integration.
On the 2027 general elections, the monarchs called for peaceful, free and credible polls at all levels, while condemning electoral violence, intimidation, vote-buying and other forms of malpractice.
They urged political actors and their supporters to embrace democratic principles and avoid actions capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process.
The council also pledged to sustain regular consultations on issues affecting the welfare, security and development of the South-West and Nigeria at large.
The monarchs called on Nigerians to remain law-abiding, support legitimate government initiatives and work collectively towards building a peaceful, secure and prosperous country.
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