…Says No Intimidation Can Stop Him
In continuation of his consultation ahead if the 2023 presidential election, former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, visited the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III and the Olubadan-designate, Dr Lekan Balogun.
The visit is part of the efforts to galvanise support for his 2023 presidential ambition.
Recall that the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has been meeting and consulting with relevant stakeholders as the 2023 general elections draw near.
The former governor of Lagos State was in Oyo first, where thousands of his admirers, supporters, loyalists and political associates had kept vigil to receive him in style.
Surrounded by his supporters in their thousands after alighting from his aircraft, Tinubu was massively welcomed with drums, singing, dancing and fanfare.
At the palace of the Iku Baba Yeye, Tinubu appreciated the first class traditional ruler for his support over the years, pointing out that the Alaafin has been his royal special adviser, who tells him the truth on any issue all the time.
The APC National Leader said that he would not make any move about his presidential ambition without coming to officially inform the monarch, and seek his royal blessings and advise as always.
Comically appealing to those he described as youths to be calm in the pursuit of their ambition for the presidential ticket, the Jagaban of Borgu said that they should allow him serve his own term first.
He said, “I greet you all my leaders. You youths must take things easy. You said you want to be President, you didn’t allow the elders to have a way to pass, without being President yet. What will now happen when you become the President, will you chase us away from town?
“I pray for all our youths, you all will also grow old and you will be presidents, but you will allow me to do my own first.
“Why I came here today; Kabiyesi, you are my special adviser; many times, when you call me inside to talk to me, you tell me the truth, and I cannot make a move in my bid to become the President of Nigeria without coming to pay homage and receive royal blessings from you.
“All I came for today is to seek your blessings, your cooperation, and your prayers for me to become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Responding, Oba Adeyemi said that he is confident that the Yoruba ancestors would make Asiwaju Tinubu, President of Nigeria come 2023.
The monarch prayed that Tinubu will emerge victorious in his bid to rule the country.
The monarch and the APC stalwart later proceeded into the private chamber of the palace for a closed door meeting, which lasted for about 30 minutes.
Shortly after the meeting with the Alaafin, Tinubu flew to Ibadan to pay homage to the Olubadan-designate, Lekan Balogun.
In his remarks, the Olubadan-designate lamented the unsavoury state of the nation’s unity, just as he called for a leader that would pull back the country from the brink, come 2023.
Speaking through his brother, the senator representing Oyo South senatorial district, Senator Kola Balogun, at his Alarere residence, the incoming Olubadna noted that the country is badly divided.
Balogun said, “Kabiyesi has known you for a long time as a progressive politician, as well as your antecedents as the governor that laid the foundation of the present Lagos.
“Yorubas are the leading light of Nigeria, our people contributed a lot to make Nigeria what it is and without the Yorubas, Nigeria cannot be where it is today. But, it is very sad to note the ‘to your tent oh Isreal,’ which has recently become the song of the people.
“Nigeria is badly divided today, and we are looking forward to a Yoruba president that will unite the country, come 2023. We need a leader that has a national focus and acceptability, the road may be rough, but, by God’s grace, you will triumph.”
Accompanied by top members of his campaign council, Tinubu said that he was ready to fight in his quest to become the President, adding that he visited the Olubadan-designate and by extension Ibadan people to solicit for their support.
He added that it was a honour for him to be in Ibadan, noting that the visit was to appeal to the monarch and Ibadan people to pray for him in his quest to become the country’s President.
He described this period as an historical moment and a reminder of history, recalling that each time a Yoruba wants to be President, issues are raised, questions are asked and all sorts of gang-up are encountered.
Tinubu added, “I came here to request for your prayer for me and the Yoruba race. We are at a crossroad, people are volunteering to confront me when they were asked that who would confront the lion of Bourdilon.”
Expressing his readiness and determination, the APC presidential hopeful said, “I’m out to become President of Nigeria. No intimidation, no blackmail can stop me. I have read about a Greek philosopher that if you want to fight a pig, you must be ready to be smeared and I’m ready to be dirty.”
Congratulating the new Olubadan for the grace to ascend the throne, which he said would give the ancient city a new outlook, considering the robust background of Balogun as an educationist, politician of progressive leaning and a humanist, Tinubu prayed for a long life and sound health for the Olubadan-designate.
The leader of the campaign group, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, in his opening remark traced the historical link between Ibadan and Lagos, saying that if a Lagosian is seeking the support of Ibadan people as they had come to do, it was not out of place.
Olusi said, “We both own Ibadan, we have been working together before. We bring Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to you and Ibadan. It would be a great thing for Ibadan and the Yoruba race if we can produce the country’s president in 2023.”
In attendance to support Balogun and Olori Olufunmilayo to receive Tinubu and his entourage were Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola; Ekarun Olubadan, High Chief Hamidu Ajibade; former Minister of Industries, Chief (Mrs.) Onikepo Akande, and former first lady of Oyo State, Chief Mutiat Ladoja, among others.
Recall that Tinubu, one of the presidential aspirants of the ruling APC in the 2023 general elections, had visited President Muhammadu Buhari in January to inform him if his readiness and interest to contest for the Presidency in the 2023 general elections.
