Coalition of Tinubu’s Loyalists Visit Alaafin, Olubadan, Seek Endorsement of Tinubu for 2023

A coalition of loyalists of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have paid a visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Royal Majesty Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogunguniso, in their respective palaces.

The coalition which was led by a former Minister from Ekiti State, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye, was tagged South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA 2023).

Other notable member of the coalition turned planning committee are Senator Ridwan Adesoji Akanbi (Oyo South), Hon. Abayomi Ogunnusi, Hon. Bosun Oladele (ex-Oyo Rep member), Kafilat Ogbara (Lagos), Hon. Oyetunde Ojo (Ekiti), Hon. Toba Goke, Hon. M. Muniru, Hon. Deji Jakande, Hon. Abegunde Abena (ex-SSG Ondo), Hon. Rotimi Makinde (Osun, Ife Federal Constituency), Hon. Suraju Ogundipe, Hon. A. Ogidan (Lagos) and Hon. Ahmed Olaofe among others.



In his address, Adeyeye said, “We in Yorubaland believe that it is our right to have the President in 2023 because there has been an agreement for rotation of the presidency.”

“We pray President Muhammadu Buhari should complete his eight-year term in peace and after him a Yoruba man should take over. Unless a son of Yoruba who knows how to do it properly is there, things might not work out fine.”

“The capable hand we have been blessed with in the South West is Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu.”
“Asiwaju did not send us and he has not told us he wants to be President, but we see him as a sellable product.

“We are starting the journey with inaugural meeting in Ibadan tomorrow. We are doing it here in Ibadan because we know Ibadan is the headquarters of Yorubaland.”

“Chief Obafemi Awolowo started here and the region was developed during his time. As Yoruba sons, we must visit you and pay homage to receive prayers and support.”

“We want you to be father to us in this journey.”

In his response through his Media Aide, Adeola Oloko, at the Popoyemoja palace, the Olubadan appreciated the team and prayed for the success its mission.

He pledged his support for the committee, noting: “In Nigeria, if you don’t ask for your right, you will not be given.

“Eight years ago when things were rough, we know what role we played to stabilise the country. We recognise your roles in the NADECO days.”

“As a monarch, I am father of all of you in all the parties. You are free to enter here. I support your meeting of tomorrow. It shall end well.”

At the Alaafin’s palace in Oyo, Adeyeye eulogised the monarch, describing his intellectual prowess as comparable to none among Kings in the country.

He further stressed the need to choose the most capable person to succeed President Buhari, noting that there was an unwritten agreement, that the “presidency should be rotated and it is time for it to move to the South.”

“We Yoruba in the South West have the right to contest among the other two geopolitical zones in the South. Our joker is Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu. He is a very capable hand that can make this dream come to reality. He surpasses others in the zone.”

“The only person with the clout of MKO Abiola is Asiwaju Tinubu. In this wise, we seek your support for him.”

In his response, the Alaafin said: “I am very happy that you came as joint arrangement is the best in any venture. Covenant is part of the law of retributive justice.”

“In Nigeria, we forget so easily. Bandits have been killing people in the North Eastern part of Nigeria. We were there recently and bullets were flying over the roof where we stayed. We said we have defeated the Boko Haram technically, yet few days ago, many people were tied down and slaughtered like goats. This is unacceptable.”

“To many people, this your move may be seen to be too early, but one thing is that Nigerians forget too easily. There must be federal system of government, but there is no sincerity in the politics of Nigeria and this is the reason we are in trouble.”

“There is lack of faith in the arrangement of this country. We have not been fortunate with the kind of leadership we have been having.”

“If the Queen is summoned by the House of Common in England, she must go. If an Oba does not see his children, why is he a father then? I support your mission.”

Oba Adeyemi thereafter offered prayers for the success of the movement as he said he felt honoured with the visit.

He urged the committee not to be afraid or waiver in their mission, saying a covenant had been entered into between him and the committee, while traditionally pouring libation and offering divination with kolanuts.