The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has commended the economic reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the administration has made significant progress in stabilising Nigeria’s economy.
In a statement issued by the Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) made the remarks on Thursday while receiving the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and his Edo State counterpart, Senator Monday Okpebholo, at the ancient Ile-Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife.
Welcoming the governors to the cradle of the Yoruba race, the Ooni described both leaders as humble and exemplary public servants whose simplicity and respect for traditional institutions distinguish them among their contemporaries.
“You are welcome to the source of the Yoruba race. We are delighted to receive both of you. Your humility and simplicity are rare among today’s political leaders. Beyond politics, you have come here as men who embody the Omoluabi virtues, and we are proud to receive you,” the Ooni said.
Speaking on the state of the nation’s economy, the Ooni acknowledged that President Tinubu’s administration had taken bold and difficult decisions to reposition the country, noting that the positive impact of the reforms is becoming evident in key economic indicators.
According to him, Nigeria’s foreign reserves have grown significantly, crude oil production has continued to rise, while the country’s capital market has recorded unprecedented performance under the current administration.
“Economically, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is trying. We must acknowledge the courage it took to implement some of these reforms. Today, Nigeria’s macroeconomic indicators are improving. Our foreign reserves have risen to about 52 billion dollars, crude oil production is approaching two million barrels per day, and the capital market is performing remarkably well.
“These achievements did not come by accident. They are products of deliberate reforms aimed at repositioning the Nigerian economy,” the Ooni said.
The Ooni, however, stressed that the next challenge is ensuring that the benefits of the economic reforms reach ordinary Nigerians at the grassroots.
“The concern now is the micro economy. The President himself is deeply concerned that the gains of these reforms must get to the common people. That is where all of us must work together. We should support every effort that will ensure these economic gains translate into better living conditions for Nigerians.”
The foremost African monarch also expressed concern over the rising political tension in Osun State ahead of the governorship election, warning politicians and their supporters against violence.
“The political tension in Osun State is becoming too much, and we are all feeling it. Nobody is stopping anyone from campaigning or supporting a political party, but politics must never lead to violence.
“As traditional rulers, we will continue to preach peace because our responsibility goes beyond politics. We want peace in Ifeland, peace across Osun State and peaceful elections.”
He reminded political actors that electoral victory can only be determined by the people through the ballot box.
“Power belongs to the people. It is not by force and not by violence. Let everyone remain calm, respect the democratic process and allow the people to freely choose their leaders,” he said.
Earlier, speaking on behalf of the visiting governors, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo said the visit was to seek the royal blessings of the Ooni and appreciate his consistent role in promoting peace, national unity and good governance.
“We have come home to appreciate Your Imperial Majesty for all you have been doing for our country. Your leadership, service to humanity and commitment to peace have inspired many of us. You remain a role model to leaders across Nigeria.”
Governor Ododo said the governors were also in Osun State to sensitise residents on the programmes and reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration while encouraging peaceful political participation.
He maintained that although some of the Federal Government’s reforms initially came with challenges, they have begun to produce positive results across the country.
“President Tinubu took bold decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidy, in the interest of the nation’s future. Today, states receive improved allocations, salaries are being paid more consistently, investments in agriculture have increased, healthcare facilities across the 774 local government areas are being upgraded, road infrastructure is receiving attention and Nigerian farmers are becoming more productive,” he said.
He appealed to political leaders and stakeholders in Osun State to continue supporting President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda while ensuring that peace remains paramount before, during and after the election.
He added, “We have come to seek your blessings and to ask that you continue to encourage our people to embrace peace. Development can only thrive in an atmosphere of stability, and we believe the people of Osun will continue to uphold peace as they exercise their democratic rights.”
Traditional rulers who joined the Ooni in receiving the governors included the Salu of Edunabon, Oba Adesoji Kehinde Oladepo; the Alasipa of Asipa, Oba Mufutau Babawale; the Olumokun of Yakoyo, Oba Meshach Oyewole Oyediran; the Alakinlalu of Akinlalu, Oba Idowu Olowabusola; the Oluwaro of Iwaro, Oba Ayoola Adesokan; the Olukitibi of Kitibi, Oba Adebisi Ayoola; the Olupoti of Ipoti-Ekiti, Oba Kolade James Oladipupo, alongside other eminent traditional rulers.