2027: S-West monarchs endorse Tinubu, back state police

*Rejects subsidy return 

THE South-West Council of Obas and Traditional Rulers, yesterday, endorsed President Bola Tinubu, declaring that sustaining the principle of power rotation is critical to national unity, political stability, equity and inclusiveness.

The meeting, which was hosted by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, attracted the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; the Alake of Egbaland; 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 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.

The monarchs also backed the proposed establishment of state police.

These were among the major resolutions reached at a meeting held at the Aafin Olubadan, Oke Aremo, Ibadan in Oyo State.

The meeting, which brought together prominent traditional rulers from the six South-West states, also endorsed the Federal Government’s position against the reintroduction of fuel subsidy, called for peaceful and credible elections in 2027, and urged greater collaboration among Nigeria’s geopolitical regions.

The monarchs, in a communiqué read by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, at the end of the meeting, said the rotational presidency arrangement had contributed significantly to political stability, inclusiveness and national cohesion, stressing that the arrangement should be sustained in the next electoral cycle.

The Council said: “The principle of rotational presidency has, over the years, contributed significantly to political stability, inclusiveness, and national cohesion across Nigeria.

“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, in line with the spirit of power rotation that has helped preserve peace and stability in the country.”

They added that the position was intended to promote “national balance, mutual trust among the federating units, and the continued progress of the Nigerian State.”

On the 2027 general elections, the traditional rulers condemned electoral violence, intimidation, vote-buying and other forms of electoral malpractice, emphasising the need for peaceful, free and credible elections at all levels.

They said: “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 Council unanimously reaffirmed its unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu and his administration.

“The Council expressed support for the proposed establishment of State Police as a strategic measure to strengthen internal security.

“The Council noted the economic realities confronting the nation and expressed support for the Federal Government’s current position on fuel subsidy.”

“The meeting resolved that the reintroduction of fuel subsidy would not serve the long-term interests of national economic development and fiscal sustainability.”

“The Council expressed profound appreciation to the President for the establishment of the new military brigade in Oyo State,” the communiqué added.