From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Friday received the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Abdulhakeem Owoade I, alongside his wife, Abiwumi, and a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State at the Presidential Villa.
The meeting underscored the President’s commitment to deepening collaboration with traditional institutions as vital partners in Nigeria’s development.
In a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President while addressing the royal delegation, described the Alaafin’s ascendancy to the historic throne as “a great honour” and “the divine will of the Almighty God.” He praised the monarch’s humility, foresight, and dedication to preserving Yoruba traditions, saying, “Your rise to the throne is historic. It is the will of God and the heart of the people.”
Reflecting on the transition following the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi in April 2022, the President commended the traditional council for its “character and discipline” in ensuring a smooth nomination and coronation process. He added, “I am glad you have become a hope of sustaining the Yoruba race, even while you were abroad in Canada.”
President Tinubu stressed the critical role of traditional leaders in nation-building, stating, “The peace and stability of our nation require inclusiveness. This job is not one you can do alone. We have to pull ourselves together to build a nation of prosperity.”
He highlighted his administration’s focus on education and healthcare, inviting traditional rulers to actively participate in policy implementation that directly affects citizens’ livelihoods.
“institutions to implement policies to protect and prosper citizens.
“Our priority is still education and Medicare. We want to uplift education and cultural values. Our door is open for participation,”he stated.
The President also acknowledged the contributions of sons of the Oyo kingdom serving in his office, including Ambassador Victor Adeleke, State Chief of Protocol, and Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, his Aide-de-Camp and king designate of Ilemonaland in Kwara State, which shares ancestral ties with Oyo.
In his response, Alaafin Oba Abimbola Owoade expressed gratitude for the President’s reception and reaffirmed the traditional council’s unwavering support for the federal government’s agenda. “Your gracious reception is more than protocol. It is a mark of your character, statesmanship, and enduring regard for traditional institutions,” he said.
The monarch praised President Tinubu’s leadership, recalling his journey as “a man who rose through the crucible of political struggle with unmatched courage and charity.” He added, “Nigeria looks up to you not only for leadership but for restoration – for a new vision rooted in justice, equity, and inclusive progress.”
Oba Owoade called for enhanced collaboration between modern governance and ancient wisdom, asserting, “National transformation is not by government alone. It is built when institutions, old and new, work hand-in-hand.”
The Alaafin also commended the President’s bold economic reforms, infrastructural development, social welfare initiatives, youth empowerment programs, and efforts to improve security and agriculture.
This high-profile meeting signals a renewed commitment by the Tinubu administration to engage traditional rulers as key stakeholders in Nigeria’s socio-economic progress, reinforcing the bridge between Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary governance.