FIC Report (Oyo State) – The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakunlehin, Ige Olakulehin 1, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road, describing the project as a significant intervention that will improve security, connectivity and economic activities in the region.
The monarch spoke on Monday at the flag-off ceremony of the road project in Oyo State, where President Tinubu was represented by the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun.
Oba Olakulehin said the project should be seen primarily as a government intervention for the benefit of residents rather than a partisan political event, despite references to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the ceremony.
“I’ve been hearing everybody talking APC, APC. Bola Tinubu is not an APC man, no. Bola Tinubu is working and deserves to be president for a long, long time,” the Olubadan said.
He said the gathering was an opportunity to appreciate the President for approving the road project, which he described as important to the safety and economic wellbeing of residents of Ibadan and neighbouring communities.
“This is not an APC rally. It is a rally that we are here to thank Mr President for making this road project possible,” he said.
The monarch noted that the road corridor had been associated with security challenges, including kidnapping, and expressed optimism that its reconstruction would improve movement and enhance security along the route.
“Those of us in Ibadan know that the only area in Ibadan, where terrorists have been kidnapping people is this road,” he said.
Oba Olakulehin further argued that Tinubu’s intervention should be assessed based on its impact on Nigerians rather than partisan considerations.
“He deserves more than being an APC president. He’s not an APC president. He’s president of Nigeria,” he said.
The Olubadan acknowledged that the President’s performance could also have political implications for the APC, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
“The only thing I can look at is that his performance is likely to help the APC win elections. So, we are not discounting the performance of Mr President at all,” he said.
He said political parties seeking to dislodge the ruling party would have to convince Nigerians that they could provide a credible alternative.
“We believe he deserves a long tenure, even though other parties are scrambling to say they are there when they are not visible,” the monarch said.
The Olubadan, however, said the people would ultimately determine the political direction of Ibadanland through their votes when the time comes.
“We believe that by the time election comes, the people of Ibadan land will talk,” he said.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by the Minister of Works, David Umahi; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli; and other government officials, traditional rulers and dignitaries.
The dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road is expected to improve connectivity between Oyo and Ogun states while facilitating the movement of people, agricultural produce, and goods along the corridor.
Report by Israel Arogbonlo, I&PROII.
FIC, IBADAN.
