The Olubadan of Ibadanland has expressed confidence in Tinubu leadership, saying the President’s Lagos record gives him an edge in fixing Nigeria’s economy and security.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, has expressed firm confidence in the capacity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to confront Nigeria’s economic and security challenges, citing the President’s long political journey and proven administrative record.
The traditional ruler made his views known after a courtesy visit to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Speaking with journalists, Oba Ladoja described the President as a leader shaped by experience, resilience and practical governance, noting that his background places him in a strong position to manage a complex country like Nigeria.
According to the monarch, Tinubu leadership is rooted in a deep understanding of political negotiation, economic reform and institutional building.
Drawing from the President’s years as governor of Lagos State, the Olubadan said Tinubu demonstrated uncommon capacity by transforming Lagos into a more functional and economically viable state.
He recalled how Lagos, once burdened by infrastructure deficits and limited revenue capacity, became a model of internal revenue generation and urban reform under Tinubu’s administration.
He argued that these achievements provide insight into the thinking behind current federal policies.
Oba Ladoja noted that leadership at the national level comes with broader challenges than those encountered at the state level.
Nigeria’s size, diversity and competing interests, he said, naturally place enormous pressure on any president.
However, he maintained that Tinubu leadership benefits from years of political exposure, which has prepared the President for navigating national expectations and balancing regional interests.
The monarch explained that his visit to Abuja was also meant to express gratitude to President Tinubu for attending his coronation ceremony in Ibadan in September last year.
He described the President’s presence at the event as a gesture of respect for Ibadanland and traditional institutions across the country.
According to him, such symbolic acts strengthen unity between political leadership and cultural authorities.
In addition to the courtesy visit, Oba Ladoja said his participation in the Daily Trust Dialogue created an opportunity to share feedback from his people regarding governance and the state of the nation.
He noted that while many Nigerians continue to face economic pressure, there is a growing sense that reforms are gradually taking shape.
He said conversations at the dialogue reflected cautious optimism rather than outright despair.
Addressing economic concerns, the Olubadan acknowledged that the current reforms have come with short-term difficulties for ordinary citizens.
However, he stressed that meaningful economic recovery often requires difficult decisions.
He expressed the belief that Tinubu leadership is focused on long-term national stability rather than temporary political comfort, adding that sustainable growth cannot be achieved without correcting structural weaknesses.
The traditional ruler also observed that state governments now have greater access to financial resources compared to previous years.
He said this increased capacity places more responsibility on governors to deliver development at the grassroots.
According to him, improved federal allocations and fiscal reforms should translate into better healthcare, education and infrastructure if properly managed at the state level.
While commending the President’s efforts, Oba Ladoja urged the Federal Government to intensify action in key areas affecting daily life.
He identified food security, healthcare delivery and insecurity as pressing issues requiring urgent and coordinated responses.
He warned that persistent attacks on farming communities continue to disrupt agricultural production, contributing to rising food prices across the country.
The monarch expressed concern that insecurity, once concentrated in certain regions, is increasingly affecting parts of southern Nigeria.
He said farmers’ inability to access their farmlands poses a serious threat to national food supply and rural livelihoods.
Nevertheless, he maintained that the situation is not beyond control, especially if security agencies are adequately supported and intelligence-driven strategies are strengthened under Tinubu leadership.
Looking ahead, Oba Ladoja said he remains hopeful about Nigeria’s future.
He expressed optimism that by the end of President Tinubu’s tenure in 2031, the country would be in a far better position economically and socially.
According to him, national transformation is a gradual process that requires patience, consistency and collective responsibility.
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