President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, revealed how he planned to call the former Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, to help locate the then Alaafin of Oyo-designate, who had returned to Canada before his formal coronation in Oyo Kingdom, Nigeria.
The President stated this when he received the newly installed 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, during a visit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
In a very cordial atmosphere, the president recalled how he was worried when the then Canada-based Prince Owoade returned to the North American country ahead of his coronation, and he wanted to reach out to his counterpart in Canada to locate the Alaafin for him.
“You created anxiety at the time the nomination was announced and your return to Canada. I’d wanted to call the President (Prime Minister); sincerely, I wanted to call the President of Canada. We were together in Brazil when he told me he’d not run for office again.
“I wanted to ask him whether he can help me locate my Alaafin, but I was later assured that you went to sign off,“ the President said.
He lauded the new monarch for demonstrating character and discipline, and for uplifting the culture of the Yoruba in Canada.
“I’m glad that you’re a beacon of hope to the rest of our race; the good name you left behind in Canada; how you represented our race as a hardworking engineer who wants to develop this country. It’s a good thing that you’re back, you’re crowned, and you came here first. I really appreciate that,” the president said.
Tinubu emphasised that the culture, peace and stability of the nation required inclusiveness, noting that governing the nation was not a job to be done alone.
“We have to put hands together to build a nation of prosperity; a nation that God Almighty will continue to see as a nation of peace, stability and progress,” Tinubu stated.
President Tinubu highlighted the need for uplift medicare, education and cultural values, pledging to support the Alaafin in the areas, saying “The doors are open.”
Pointing at the political officeholders of Oyo extraction at the gathering, including the Senator representing Oyo Central, Dr Yunus Akintunde; member representing Oyo Federal Constituency, Prince Akeem Adeyemi; the State Chief of Protocol, Ambassador Victor Adeleke, and his Aide-de-Camp, Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, who is also the Elemona of Ilemona-designate, whose ancestry was traced to Oyo at the meeting, the president said these public officeholders were doing well.
Tinubu, who hailed his aides from Oyo Kingdom as dedicated, hardworking and forthright, prayed that God would give the Alaafin the wisdom, rest of mind and success to navigate his way through the Oyo Kingdom affairs, stressing that “history will be yours to define by the grace of God Almighty. You’ll be there, you’ll live long.”
Earlier in his address, Alaafin Owoade I assured the President of the traditional rulers’ support in delivering his mandate to the people.
“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. The people of Oyo remember your journey as a man who rose through the crucible of political struggle with unmatched courage and charity. You have won many hearts as an activist, strategist, bridge builder and now as the nation’s foremost leader,” Alaafin told Tinubu.
The monarch said all Nigerians looked up to the President for a new direction.
“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 bold economic reforms, infrastructural development, instituting social welfare, youth empowerment, and improvement in security and investments in agriculture.
“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,” the Oyo monarch stated.
