South-West monarchs endorse Tinubu for second term, back presidency rotation
By Adejayan Gbenga
Traditional rulers across the South-West have formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Reading the official communiqué following a high-level summit at the Olubadan’s palace in Ibadan, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Gbadebo, urged royal fathers to actively mobilise their subjects behind the president’s re-election bid.
Beyond supporting the incumbency, the council insisted that the presidency must remain in Southern Nigeria during the next electoral cycle to foster national equity and cohesion.
Turning to economic policy, the monarchs firmly backed the federal government’s removal of the fuel subsidy, warning that its reintroduction would severely jeopardise Nigeria’s long-term fiscal stability.
On national security, the rulers championed the immediate creation of state police forces, describing the decentralised model as an essential step toward safeguarding local communities.
Furthermore, they encouraged royal peers across the region to guide local youths toward the emerging employment opportunities that state policing will create.
Commending immediate security interventions, the council praised President Tinubu for establishing new military formations in Oyo State while highlighting ongoing federal infrastructure projects across the region.
Concluding their declaration, the traditional rulers pledged to engage northern leaders to promote national integration, while strictly condemning electoral malpractice ahead of the 2027 polls.
