The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, has said President Bola Tinubu deserves to remain in office for a long time, citing his administration’s performance.
Ladoja made the remarks on Monday at the flag-off ceremony for the dualisation of Ibadan-Ijebu Road in Ogun State, where Tinubu was represented by the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun.
The monarch said the event should not be viewed as an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally, despite repeated references to the ruling party during the ceremony.
“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 to appreciate Tinubu for approving the road project, which he described as important to the safety and economic wellbeing of residents of Ibadan and its environs.
“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 been associated with security concerns, particularly kidnappings, stressing that its reconstruction would help 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 said Tinubu’s decision to embark on the project demonstrated his concern for the people, adding that his performance should not be viewed solely through the prism 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 Olubadan, however, acknowledged that the president’s performance could 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 added that political parties seeking to challenge the ruling party would have to convince voters of their capacity to offer an 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 their political choice when the time comes.
“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 State Deputy Governor Noimat Salako, APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Sharafdeen Abiodun Ali, and other dignitaries.
