Tinubu’s Background Gives Him Edge To Fix Nigeria — Olubadan

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1, has expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu, saying the President’s political background and record as former governor of Lagos State give him a clear advantage in addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

Oba Ladoja spoke with journalists on Friday after paying a courtesy visit to President Tinubu at the presidential Villa in Abuja.

He said anyone familiar with the President’s political journey would understand that he knew what he was doing in governance.

“If you know where he is coming from, you’ll know that he knows what he’s doing. That is what is most important. He was able to get Lagos from where it was to where he left it, so I am sure that what he is doing now is in the right direction,” the traditional ruler said.

The Olubadan explained that his visit was partly to thank President Tinubu for honouring his coronation ceremony in Ibadan in September last year.

He added that he also used the opportunity of his presence in Abuja for the Daily Trust Dialogue to convey the appreciation of his people for what they described as ongoing improvements in the country.

Acknowledging the complexity of governing Nigeria compared to a single state, Oba Ladoja noted that leadership at the federal level comes with diverse expectations and pressures from across the federation.

Nevertheless, he observed that state governments now enjoy greater financial capacity than in the past and are better positioned to meet their responsibilities.

“By and large, the economy has to be fixed, and it is being fixed,” he said, expressing optimism that by the time President Tinubu completes his tenure in 2031, Nigeria would be a country all citizens would be proud of.

While commending the President’s efforts, the Olubadan urged the Federal Government to intensify action in key areas, particularly food security, healthcare and insecurity.

He lamented that persistent security challenges have continued to prevent farmers from accessing their farmlands and warned that the situation is increasingly affecting parts of southern Nigeria.

Despite the concerns, Oba Ladoja maintained that the challenges confronting the country are not insurmountable, adding that he believed the President was addressing them in the right direction.