President Tinubu and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Abdulhakeem Owoade I, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Friday emphasized the vital role traditional institutions play in Nigeria’s development and governance, urging closer cooperation between the government and royal fathers to implement policies that enhance citizens’ welfare.
The President made these remarks while receiving the newly crowned 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Abdulhakeem Owoade I, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The monarch was accompanied by his wife, Olori Abiwumi Owoade, and a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State.
Describing the Alaafin’s rise to the throne as “the will of God and the heart of the people,” President Tinubu congratulated Oba Owoade and celebrated his dedication to preserving Yoruba cultural heritage.
“Your ascendancy to the throne is historic and divinely ordained. I commend your humility, foresight, and the grace you have shown, even during your time abroad,” the President said.
Tinubu praised the smooth transition following the death of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III in April 2022, highlighting the Oyo traditional council’s role in ensuring continuity and stability.
Focusing on governance, the President stressed that building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria requires shared responsibility, especially from traditional rulers who uphold community values and influence.
“This task cannot be done alone. Our priorities remain education, healthcare, and cultural preservation. We will continue to partner with traditional rulers to implement policies that protect and uplift our people,” he stated.
President Tinubu also acknowledged key figures from the Oyo Kingdom in his administration, 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.
In response, Oba Owoade pledged the full support of traditional institutions to the Tinubu administration and its national development goals.
“Today, I speak as a guardian of culture and a voice for my people. Your warm reception reflects your respect for tradition and character,” the Alaafin said.
He lauded President Tinubu’s resilience, calling him “an activist, strategist, bridge-builder, and now the nation’s foremost leader.”
Oba Owoade expressed strong backing for the administration’s economic reforms and policies on infrastructure, youth empowerment, security, and agriculture. However, he emphasized that lasting transformation depends on blending modern governance with traditional wisdom.
“Oyo is ready. The Yoruba are ready. Nigerians are ready. We look to you for a new vision based on justice, equity, and inclusive progress,” he declared.
The monarch also formally called on President Tinubu to ensure traditional institutions have a more active role in shaping national policy and fostering social cohesion.
