Tinubu, Alaafin of Oyo meet at Aso Rock

By Omolade Adegbuyi and Samuel Ogunsona

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and one of the most outstanding traditional rulers in Africa, the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Alaafin Abimbola Owoade I have met in Abuja on Friday.

The traditional ruler was visiting the President for the first time since his inauguration as ghe Alaafin.

At the historic meeting, the President said traditional institutions remain integral to the country’s development and called for more support in implementing policies that directly impact people’s livelihoods.

The President hosted the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Abdulhakeem Owoade I, his wife, Abiwumi, and a delegation of other traditional rulers from Oyo State at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

In a release made available to Irohinoodua, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga made available to Irohinoodua said Tinubu congratulated the Alaafin for his ascendancy to the historic throne, assuring the royal father of his prayers and support.

Onanuga said “It is a great joy for me and a great honour. Your ascendancy to the throne of your fathers is historic. It is the will of God and the heart of the people.

He quoted the President as saying “I am following up on your foresight for development, your humility, and the fact that you uphold the traditions of your people.

He said the President said the Alaafin inherited and came to power through the making of the Almighty God.

Tinubu said “Your ascendancy to the throne – like my becoming a president is the divine will of the Almighty God,” he said.

The President noted that the “hurdles, processes, and anxiety” along the way were part of the preparation for the position.

Tinubu commended the traditional council for the ease in nominating and crowning the 46th Alaafin following Oba Lamidi Adeyemi’s passing on April 22, 2022.

The President said “I am happy that you have shown character and discipline and uplifted your people’s name, values and culture, even when you were in Canada. I am glad you have become a hope of sustaining the Yoruba race.”

The President said his administration would not stop working with traditional institutions to implement policies to protect and prosper citizens.

“The peace and stability of our nation requires inclusiveness. This job is not one you can do alone. We have to pull ourselves together to build a nation of prosperity.

“Our priority is still education and Medicare. We want to uplift education and cultural values. Our door is open for participation,” he stated.

President Tinubu was said to have told the king that the sons of the Oyo kingdom serving in his office have done exceptionally well, including Ambassador Victor Adeleke, State Chief of Protocol, and Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, the Aide-de-Camp.

Yusuf is the king designate of Ilemonaland in Oyun local council, Kwara State, which traces its ancestry to the Oyo kingdom.

Speaking at the meeting, Alaafin promised the President of the traditional council’s support in leading Nigeria to the promised land.

“Today, I speak not just as the custodian of culture and tradition but as a voice for my people, who are deeply honoured by the audience you have granted us here at the heart of the national leadership.

The Alaafin spoke further “Your gracious reception is more than protocol. It is a mark of your character, statesmanship and enduring regard for the traditional institutions. The people of Oyo remember your journey as a man who rose through the crucible of political struggle with unmatched courage and charity. You won many hearts as an activist, strategist, bridge builder and now as the nation’s foremost leader. ”

The Alaafin said Nigerians look up to Tinubu the Nigerian renaissance.

“Nigeria looks up to you, not only for leadership but for restoration. For a new vision rooted in justice, equity and inclusive progress. It is in that spirit that I have come to seek your collaboration. Oyo is ready, Yoruba are ready, and Nigerians are ready,” he added.

The Alaafin commended the President for his icon cast will in the realm of economic reforms, infrastructural development, instituting social welfare, youth empowerment, and improvement in security and investments in agriculture.

The Alaafin said “We understand that national transformation is not by government alone. It is built when ancient wisdom meets modern governance. When institutions, old and new, work hand-in-hand.”