The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, has backed President Bola Tinubu for a long stay in office, saying his administration’s performance deserves recognition.
Ladoja spoke on Monday at the flag-off of the dualisation of Ibadan-Ijebu Road in Ogun State. Tinubu was represented at the event by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The monarch said the ceremony was not an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally, despite several references to the ruling party.
“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 to appreciate Tinubu for approving the road project, which he described as important to the safety and economic wellbeing of people in Ibadan and nearby areas.
“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 said the road had faced security problems, especially kidnappings, and expressed hope that the reconstruction would improve safety and connectivity.
“Those of us in Ibadan know that the only area in Ibadan, where terrorists have been kidnapping people is this road,” the monarch said.
“He deserves more than being an APC president. He’s not an APC president. He’s president of Nigeria,” Ladoja said.
He, however, admitted that Tinubu’s performance could boost 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.
“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.
“We believe that by the time election comes, the people of Ibadan land will talk,” the monarch said.
The event was attended by Works Minister Dave Umahi, Ogun Deputy Governor Noimat Salako, APC governorship candidate in Oyo State Sharafdeen Abiodun Ali and other dignitaries.
