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South-West monarchs insist the presidency should remain in Southern Nigeria beyond 2027, citing fairness, equity and the need to sustain rotational power-sharing.
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Traditional rulers reaffirm support for President Bola Tinubu and his administration, while commending the establishment of a new military brigade in Oyo State.
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Council endorses proposed state police, urges youths to prepare for emerging opportunities and rejects the reintroduction of fuel subsidy.
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Monarchs call for peaceful, free and credible 2027 elections, condemn vote-buying and violence, and seek stronger cooperation among Nigeria’s geopolitical regions.
November 11, (THEWILL) – Traditional rulers across the South-West have declared that the presidency must remain in Southern Nigeria beyond the 2027 general elections, rejecting any move to shift power to another region and insisting that the principle of rotational presidency should be sustained in the interest of national unity, political stability and equity.
The monarchs also reaffirmed their support for President Bola Tinubu and his administration, endorsed the proposed establishment of state police and backed the Federal Government’s position against the reintroduction of fuel subsidy.
These were among the major resolutions reached at a meeting of the South-West Council of Obas and Traditional Rulers held on Wednesday at the Aafin Olubadan, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The meeting, hosted by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, brought together prominent traditional rulers from Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states.
Obas Insist On Southern Presidency Beyond 2027
In a communiqué read by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, at the end of the meeting, the monarchs maintained that the rotational presidency arrangement had contributed significantly to political stability, inclusiveness and national cohesion and should be sustained in the next electoral cycle.
“The principle of rotational presidency has, over the years, contributed significantly to political stability, inclusiveness, and national cohesion across Nigeria”, the communiqué stated.
The Council, in the interest of fairness, said equity and national unity, the presidency should remain in Southern Nigeria beyond 2027.
“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”, the monarchs declared.
They explained that their position was informed by the need to promote national balance, strengthen mutual trust among the federating units and preserve the political stability required for the country’s continued progress.
On the 2027 general elections, the traditional rulers called on political parties, candidates and the electorate to uphold democratic values and shun activities capable of undermining the electoral process.
They condemned electoral violence, intimidation, vote-buying and other forms of malpractice, insisting that elections at all levels must be peaceful, free and credible.
“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 read.
Back Tinubu, Urge Peaceful 2027 Elections
On national leadership, the monarchs unanimously reaffirmed their support for President Tinubu, acknowledging the Federal Government’s efforts to address the country’s challenges and advance its development agenda.
“The Council unanimously reaffirmed its unwavering support for His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and his administration”, they stated.
They urged traditional rulers across the region to intensify grassroots mobilisation and public sensitisation to encourage citizens to support government programmes and policies aimed at promoting economic growth, national stability and social development.
Endorse State Police, Urge Youth Preparation
The Council also endorsed the proposed establishment of state police, describing the initiative as a strategic measure to strengthen internal security and improve responses to security threats across the country.
“The Council expressed support for the proposed establishment of State Police as a strategic measure to strengthen internal security”, the communiqué stated.
The monarchs further encouraged traditional rulers to sensitise youths in their respective communities to prepare for employment and other service opportunities that could emerge from the proposed security arrangement.
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Reject Fuel Subsidy Return
On fuel subsidy policy, the traditional rulers aligned themselves with the Federal Government’s position against its reintroduction, maintaining that a return to the subsidy regime would not serve Nigeria’s long-term economic interests.
While acknowledging the economic realities confronting the country, they said fiscal sustainability and national economic development should remain central to government policy decisions.
“The Council noted the economic realities confronting the nation and expressed support for the Federal Government’s current position on fuel subsidy.”
It added that the reintroduction of fuel subsidy would not serve the long-term interests of national economic development and fiscal sustainability.
Seek Stronger Regional Cooperation, Commend Oyo Military Brigade
The Council further called for stronger political and economic engagement to ensure that the interests of the South-West were adequately represented and protected within the Nigerian federation.
It urged the region to remain strategically engaged in national affairs, particularly on issues affecting its political relevance, economic advancement and developmental aspirations.
The monarchs also pledged to strengthen relationships with traditional rulers in Northern Nigeria and other parts of the country, stressing that cooperation and mutual understanding among the geopolitical regions were essential to national integration.
“Recognising the importance of national integration, the Council called for stronger collaboration and mutual understanding among all regions of the country”, the communiqué further read.
They added that constructive engagement with traditional institutions across the federation remained essential to peace, unity and national development.
The meeting also commended President Tinubu for the establishment of a new military brigade in Oyo State, describing the development as a significant boost to the security architecture of the South-West.
The Council expressed appreciation to the President, noting that the military formation would strengthen security operations and contribute to the protection of lives and property across the region.
The monarchs also commended the President and the Federal Government for ongoing infrastructure projects and other development initiatives across the South-West and the country.
According to the communiqué, the projects had contributed positively to economic activities, improved connectivity and overall national development.
The Council resolved to maintain regular consultations and strategic engagements on issues affecting the welfare, security and development of the South-West and Nigeria as a whole.
The meeting was attended by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti; the Soun of Ogbomosho; the Deji of Akure; and the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi, among other prominent traditional rulers.
Other monarchs listed as participants included the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Ajero of Ijero, Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Alara of Ilara Epe, Oniru of Iru-land, Oniba of Iba, Osolu of Irewe, Olu of Ilaro, Akarigbo of Remo-land, Olofin of Isheri, Ebunmawe of Ago-Iwoye, Olowo of Owo, Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland and Orangun of Oke-Ila.
In their concluding resolutions, the monarchs reaffirmed their commitment to peace, good governance, national unity and sustainable development, urging Nigerians to remain law-abiding and support legitimate government initiatives aimed at building a more prosperous and secure country.
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