The monarchs expressed confidence that the country’s unity would be paramount while the collective interest and purpose of Yoruba Nation would be respected at the poll.
In separate interactions with The Guardian, following the meeting of major Yoruba monarchs with All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, in Ibadan, Oyo State, last week, the monarchs said it was imperative of the traditional institution to re-emphasise their stand in unity and harmony on issues that border on the interest of Yoruba.
The Ooni stated that the kind of meeting held among Yoruba traditional rulers last Thursday happened last in 1993/1994.
He said: “The late Ooni Okunade Sijuwade led the meeting and delegation during the June 12 presidential election struggle for the actualisation of the mandate of the late Moshood Abiola, which was annulled by then Military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd). The monarch said the Yoruba, as a people, would defend their collective interest and that of the unity of Nigeria in the coming election.”
When asked if the traditional rulers endorsed Tinubu during the meeting, he responded with the Yoruba saying that “no mother abandons her own baby to wrap beautiful beads on the child of another person.”
He noted further that the meeting with Tinubu was to show the unity among Yoruba monarchs.
“Kogi and Kwara are part of us, as Yoruba-speaking parts of the two states fully remain an integral part of us. We cannot do anything without their consent, going forward. In fact, the meeting is a further authentication of our brothers there.”
We pray that politicians will not come in-between us to scatter this because it is way beyond us all,” stated
The Olugbon, who is also the vice chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, said the monarchs clearly endorsed Tinubu as a result of his excellent track records and great achievements, which put him above other candidates as the only personality that would bring unity and justice to the country.
