2027 Power Rotation: Southwest Obas Say Presidency Must Stay In South, Pass Vote Of Confidence On Tinubu

2027 Power Rotation: Southwest Obas Say Presidency Must Stay In South, Pass Vote Of Confidence On Tinubu

Ibadan stood still on Wednesday as some of the most powerful traditional rulers in the South-West gathered at the Aafin Olubadan, Oke Aremo, to take far-reaching decisions on the future of Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

After hours of closed-door deliberations, the South-West Council of Obas and Traditional Rulers rose with a strong message: power must remain in the South, President Bola Tinubu should continue, and Nigeria must not return to fuel subsidy.

2027 Power Rotation: Southwest Obas Say Presidency Must Stay In South, Pass Vote Of Confidence On Tinubu

The communique from the meeting was read by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, and it touched on presidency, security, economy, elections and national unity.

Presidency Must Remain In Southern Nigeria In 2027

The foremost decision of the royal fathers was on power rotation.

According to the Council, rotational presidency has kept Nigeria together over the years. It has promoted inclusion, reduced tension, and helped different parts of the country feel a sense of belonging.

For that reason, the monarchs insisted that the arrangement must not be broken in 2027. In their view, fairness and equity demand that the presidency stays in Southern Nigeria in the next electoral cycle.

They said the decision was not about one person or one party, but about protecting national balance, building trust among the federating units, and keeping the peace that rotation has helped to preserve.

Southwest Obas Pass Vote Of Confidence On Tinubu

The Council also used the Ibadan meeting to openly declare its support for President Bola Tinubu and his administration.

The monarchs said they have seen the efforts of the Federal Government in tackling national challenges and pushing its development agenda, and they believe the President deserves the backing of the region.

In a unanimous decision, they reaffirmed what they described as unwavering support for the President.

They went further to direct traditional rulers across the South-West to return to their domains and intensify grassroots mobilisation and sensitisation. The goal, they said, is to encourage citizens to support government programmes that promote economic growth, stability and social development.

Peaceful Elections Or Nothing In 2027

On the coming elections, the Obas were very clear: Nigeria cannot afford violence.

They called on political parties, candidates, supporters and voters to respect democratic values and reject anything that can destroy the process.

The Council condemned electoral violence, intimidation, vote-buying and other forms of malpractice. It urged all actors to uphold peace before, during and after the elections, and to insist on free, fair and credible polls at all levels.

State Police Will Strengthen Security, Obas Declare

Security took a large part of the discussion, and the monarchs threw their full weight behind the proposed creation of state police.

They described state police as a strategic step that will improve internal security and help states respond faster to threats in their communities.

The Council also asked traditional rulers to start preparing young people in their domains for the opportunities that state police may create, including jobs and other service openings when the initiative takes off.

No Return To Fuel Subsidy, Monarchs Insist

On the economy, the Council aligned with the Federal Government on fuel subsidy.

While admitting that Nigerians are facing hard economic realities, the monarchs argued that bringing back subsidy will hurt the country in the long run.

They said fiscal sustainability and national development must come first, and that reintroducing subsidy will not serve Nigeria’s long-term economic interests.

Southwest Must Stay Strategically Engaged

Beyond the presidency and economy, the Obas spoke about the place of the South-West in the federation.

They said the region must remain vigilant, united and strategically engaged in national affairs, especially on issues that affect its political relevance, economic growth and development.

They also called for stronger collaboration between regions, and pledged to deepen engagement with traditional rulers in the North and other parts of Nigeria in the interest of peace, unity and national development.

Tinubu Commended For New Military Brigade In Oyo, Infrastructure Projects

The meeting was not all demands. The monarchs also commended President Tinubu for the establishment of a new military brigade in Oyo State.

They said the brigade will significantly boost the security architecture of the South-West, strengthen security operations and help protect lives and property.

They also praised the Federal Government for ongoing infrastructure projects and development initiatives across the South-West and Nigeria, noting that the projects are improving economic activities, connectivity and overall development.

Regular Meetings To Continue

At the end of the meeting, the Council resolved to maintain regular consultations and strategic engagements on issues affecting the welfare, security and development of the South-West and Nigeria.

They reaffirmed their commitment to peace, good governance, national unity and sustainable development, and urged Nigerians to remain law-abiding, support legitimate government initiatives and work together for a more prosperous and secure country.

Powerful Monarchs Who Attended The Ibadan Meeting

The meeting was hosted by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

Other prominent rulers in attendance included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; the Alake of Egbaland; the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti; the Soun of Ogbomosho; the Deji of Akure; and the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi.

Also present were the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Ajero of Ijero, Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Alara of Ilara Epe, Oniru of Iru-land, Oniba of Iba, Osolu of Irewe, Olu of Ilaro, Akarigbo of Remo-land, Olofin of Isheri, Ebunmawe of Ago-Iwoye, Olowo of Owo, Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland and Orangun of Oke-Ila.

In all, traditional rulers from Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states were represented, showing the regional strength and unity of the Council.

Do you agree with the Southwest Obas that the presidency should remain in the South in 2027? Do you support state police and rejection of fuel subsidy return? Share your honest opinion in the comment section and share this story.