2027: Yoruba Obas satisfied by Tinubu’s policies, want him to continue beyond 2027, reject fuel subsidy return
By KEMI KASUMU
The council noted the economic realities confronting the nation and expressed support for the Federal Government’s current position on fuel subsidy. The meeting resolved that the reintroduction of fuel subsidy would not serve the long-term interest of national economic development and fiscal sustainability.
Traditional rulers from the South-West on Wednesday opposed the reintroduction of fuel subsidy, saying it would not serve Nigeria’s long-term economic development and fiscal sustainability.
The monarchs made their position known in resolutions reached at a meeting held at the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The meeting was attended by prominent traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye; Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladewusi; Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri; Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Abdilrasq Adenugba; Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Aladesanmi; and Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup.
Others included the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Saheed Ademola; Oniba of Ibaland, Oba Sulaimon Raji-Asade; Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu-Alagbado; Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; and Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Abolarin Adedokun.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting and read on behalf of the monarchs by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the council acknowledged the economic realities confronting the country and expressed support for the Federal Government’s current position on fuel subsidy.
“The meeting resolved that the reintroduction of fuel subsidy would not serve the long-term interest of national economic development and fiscal sustainability,” the communiqué stated.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently ruled out returning to the petrol subsidy regime, a position that has generated considerable political and economic debate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, however, has proposed the introduction of a form of subsidy, specifically a production subsidy on locally refined petrol, to reduce the rising cost of fuel and transportation.
Petrol prices currently range between ₦1,340 and ₦1,400 per litre under the Tinubu administration, following the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira. Before Tinubu assumed office, petrol sold for between ₦185 and ₦200 per litre.
Monarchs Back Tinubu’s Re-election
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the South-West monarchs also unanimously reaffirmed their support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
They acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts to address national challenges and advance the country’s development agenda.
The communiqué stated that, “Traditional rulers of the Southwest met to deliberate on matters of regional and national importance. After extensive discussions, the council resolved as follows:
Reaffirmation of Support for the President
The council unanimously reaffirmed its unwavering support for His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and his administration. The traditional rulers acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government in addressing national challenges and advancing the development agenda of the country.
Mobilisation of Citizens in Support of Government Programmes
The council urged all Southwest kings and traditional rulers to continue sensitising and mobilising citizens within their respective domains to support government programmes and policies designed to promote economic growth, national stability and social development.
Support for the State Police Initiative
The council expressed support for the proposed establishment of state police as a strategic measure to strengthen internal security. Traditional rulers were encouraged to prepare and sensitise youths across the region to take advantage of future employment and service opportunities that may arise from the initiative.
Position on Fuel Subsidy
The council noted the economic realities confronting the nation and expressed support for the Federal Government’s current position on fuel subsidy. The meeting resolved that the reintroduction of fuel subsidy would not serve the long-term interest of national economic development and fiscal sustainability.
Protection and Advancement of Southwest Interests
The council discussed the need for continued vigilance and strategic engagement in national affairs to ensure that the political, economic and developmental interests of the Southwest region remain adequately represented and protected within the Nigerian Federation.
Promotion of National Unity and Cohesion
Recognising the importance of national integration, the council called for stronger collaboration and mutual understanding among all regions of the country. The traditional rulers pledged to foster constructive engagement with their counterparts in Northern Nigeria and other parts of the federation in the interest of peace, unity and national development.
“The council observed that the principle of rotational presidency has over the years contributed significantly to political stability, inclusiveness and national cohesion across Nigeria.
“In the interest of fairness, equity and the continued strengthening of national unity, the council expressed the view that the rotational arrangement should be sustained and the presidency should remain in Southern Nigeria in the next electoral cycle, in line with the spirit of power rotation that has helped preserve peace and stability in the country.”
The council emphasised that its position was intended to promote national balance, mutual trust among the federating units and the continued progress of Nigeria.
Monarchs Call for Peaceful Elections
The traditional rulers also reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful elections, stressing the need for free, fair and credible electoral processes at all levels.
“The council underscored the importance of peaceful, free and credible elections at all levels. It condemned all forms of electoral violence, intimidation, vote-buying and other electoral malpractices, urging political actors and citizens alike to uphold democratic values before, during and after elections,” the communiqué added.
