*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu receives in audience Oba Abimbola Abdulhakeem Owoade I, 46th Alaafin of Oyo, his wife, and other traditional rulers from Oyo State, assuring his administration will continue working with royal institutions to implement policies to protect and prosper Nigerians

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

The Federal Government of Nigeria has solicited for more support from the traditional institutions in implementing policies that directly impact people’s livelihoods in the country.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who stated this Friday, May 16, 2025, in Abuja, FCT, while receiving in audience, the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Abdulhakeem Owoade I, his wife, Abiwumi, emphasised that traditional institutions remain integral to the country’s development.

Tinubu, besides the royal family, also received a delegation of other traditional rulers from Oyo State in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Tinubu congratulated the new Alaafin of Oyo on his ascendancy to the historic throne, assuring the royal father of his prayers and support.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement, noted President Tinubu 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.

“I am following up on your foresight for development, your humility, and the fact that you uphold the traditions of your people.”

Tinubu stated: “The inherited tradition is the making of the Almighty God.

“Your ascendancy to the throne 鈥� like my becoming a president is the divine will of the Almighty God.”

The Nigerian leader also noted: “Hurdles, processes, and anxiety along the way were part of the preparation for the position.”

He commended the Oyo State Traditional Council for the ease in nominating and crowning the 46th Alaafin following Oba Lamidi Adeyemi’s passing 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.”

President Tinubu said his administration would continue working with traditional institutions to implement policies to protect and prosper citizens.

Tinubu further averred: “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.”

The statement noted the President told the king that the sons of the Oyo kingdom serving in his office have done exceptionally well.

According to Tinubu, these include Ambassador Victor Adeleke, State Chief of Protocol, and Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, his Aide-de-Camp (ADC).

Yusuf is the king-designate of Ilemonaland in Oyun Local Council of Kwara State, which traces its ancestry to the Oyo Kingdom.

Speaking during the visit, the Alaafin of Oyo assured the President of the traditional council’s support in delivering his mandate to Nigerians.

The royal father stated: “Today (Friday), 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.

“Your gracious reception is more than protocol. It is a mark of your character, statesmanship and enduring regard for the traditional institutions.”

Oba Owoade also said: “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 monarch said Nigerians look up to the President for a new direction in the leadership of the West African country.

He stated: “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.”

The foremost traditional ruler particularly commended the President for bold economic reforms, infrastructural development, instituting social welfare, youth empowerment, and improvement in security and investments in agriculture.

He further 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.”

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