Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi led other top traditional rulers to the Presidential Villa, Abuja today, Friday, to register their appreciation for all the good things President Muhammadu Buhari has so far done for the region.
Others on the Ooni’s entourage are Alake of Egbaland and Chairman Ogun State Council of Traditional Rulers, Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III.
Speaking to news men shortly after the visit, the Ooni of Ife made it clear that they were not in the Villa for politics, adding: “we are here to talk about development for our people in all the states of the south western Nigeria. We are here to point out the good things Mr. President has been doing, especially the cordial relationship with the Vice President who is from the south western part of the country. Historically, we know the issues of presidents and Vice Presidents in Nigeria; we have not experienced such.
“We are here to further request from Mr. President good things that we want for our various states. When you are doing well, you will first of all appreciate the good things before asking for more. What is critical for us here is to champion development for our people.
“We spoke about the inclusion of youths in the current government and also women inclusion. In terms of demography of voting pattern, we know that everything rest on the shoulders of Nigerian youths. We want to see them in this cabinet.
“So we are here to be identified with development and progress of our nation, more especially South West.
Ooni called on Nigerians to ensure peaceful election and for them to live in peace amongst themselves.
According to him, what is critical is for the citizens to know that Nigeria is greater than all of us, adding: “no amount of money they will promise the youths to disrupt and to destabilize the country; they should know they are making history for themselves.
“They (the politicians) will come and they will go but Nigeria will remain. We traditional rulers who are very fortunate to still be alive, have experienced many Presidents, many Governors and one thing is that a president cannot use more than eight years; that is in the constitution of Nigeria. So, Nigeria is greater than the President.
“So, our message to everyone in Nigeria is that please, especially Nigerian youths, go and vote for whoever you want to vote for. Mr. President had even said so by himself. It is not a do or die affair. Whatever you want t to use your power of your thumb for, go ahead and do it. We as traditional rulers are just here to play the fatherly role and make sure all is well in our nation.”
