Presidential hopeful and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was in Ogun State on Saturday to meet with traditional rulers over his 2023 presidential ambition.The Jagaban visited the Awujale,Alake,Olu Ilaro and returned on Sunday for the Akarigbo.
Tinubu was a the palace of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona to discuss his ambition with him and to seek his blessing.
The former Lagos State governor said he was at the palace to seek the support and blessings of the monarch towards his 2023 presidential ambition.
He was accompanied by Prof. Tunde Samuel, chief Kemi Nelson, former deputy governor Femi Pedro, James Odunbaku, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, Senator Gbenga Obadara, Senator Anthony Afuye as well as a host of leaders and coordinators of various groups singing ‘Tinubu for President in 2023’.Ijebu – Ode, the royal home of Awujale and headquarters of Ijebu – Ode Local Government Area.The were welcomed by a crowd of enthusiastic supporters.
Later that afternoon,he moved to Egbaland. At the Alake’s palace, Abeokuta, Tinubu said it was the people who asked him to make himself available for the number one office in Nigeria come 2023, recalling that he had contested for a senatorial seat and governorship office in Lagos and won in all the instances.
“I contested the Senate at the youngest age ever, I won. I contested for the governorship, I won twice. Before that, I was part of the struggle for the return of democracy in Nigeria. We supported several persons for several positions, the Governor, Senate, House of Representatives, House of Assembly, chairmen of councils, councillors and helped people in several political positions in the country.
“This time, it is the people that asked me to contest for the presidency of Nigeria. When they started, I was not there and they had moved to several places.
“I have told the President, Muhammadu Buhari, that I want to step into his shoes and not his toes. When I told him, he said I should tell the world. That is what I am doing now. I need your prayers for the project.
“I am here to seek the support of Kabiyesi and the people of Egbaland not only to be the candidate of the APC but to win the presidential election and govern the country.”
Speaking on behalf of the Ogun State government, Mr Shuaibu Salisu, the Chief of Staff to Governor Dapo Abiodun, said the Alake palace was reputed for producing presidents of the country dating back to the colonial days.
Salisu said the governor would have graced the courtesy call on Alake, but for his travel abroad and had sent a state delegation, including commissioners and party leaders in the state.
He said: “This palace is a presidential palace. In the colonial days, a president of Nigeria sat here. In 2011, you were here, in 2015, you were here, in 2015, you were also here and you succeeded.
“Egba Nation, would play her role in Nigeria. This state serves as the Gateway to Nigeria. Nobody can enter Lagos, which is the economic nerve centre of Nigeria without entering Ogun State. This state therefore, is a Gateway to fulfilment of destiny.”
Responding to the request of Tinubu, Oba Gbadebo prayed God to grant his request. The monarch also prayed that it shall be well for Ogun State and Nigeria in general.
Tinubu thereafter left Abeokuta for Ilaro to visit the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland and Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle for similar consultation on his ambition.
On Sunday,the Jagaban returned to Ogun with a visit to the palace of the Akarigbo of Remoland.visited the Akarigbo of Remo Land, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Torungbuwa II.He was welcomed to the palace by a crowd of supporters.
