The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, stated on Friday that the entire South-West region is united in its support for President Bola Tinubu as he tackles Nigeria’s security challenges.
He criticised the politicisation of national issues, stressing that traditional rulers are committed to working with political leaders to improve the country.
“God has brought our leader, the current President, President Bola Tinubu, to lead us. Traditional leaders are not talking about politics; we are talking about how to save our people and our race.
“That is way beyond politics. So, for us, we have concluded; the entire South-West to pass a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu.
“We need to support him to save Nigeria; it’s very important,” he said during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
The monarch questioned the constant criticism of leaders, pointing out that those involved in politics have been present since the beginning without resolving Nigeria’s problems. He emphasised that the nation belongs to the people, not politicians, and urged an end to political interference in security matters.
He warned that Nigeria’s collective interest must come first, noting that traditional rulers—who are closest to the people—understand the realities on the ground and must work with political authorities.
He added that the current security crisis is a result of politics, recalling that the country was once safe and free from issues such as banditry.
‘We’ll Send Them Back’
Responding to concerns about terrorists moving toward the southern region, the Ooni confirmed it, explaining that this has necessitated greater unity among South-West leaders.
He noted that traditional institutions are strengthening local security structures, including hunters and forest guards, in line with the government’s commitment to collaborate with them. He said the region will confront intruders directly and push them back.
“So, for us, we are facing it headlong. We have intelligence information. They are coming closer to us, and we’re going to send them back.
“It has happened in the past. In the 18th Century, in the 17th Century; we have actually done that. We’ve never been conquered, and it’s not going to happen again,” he concluded.