2023 Presidency: Tinubu’s ambition gets boost, as Ooni, Ataoja okay bid to succeed Buhari

Former governor of Lagos state and the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential ambition on Monday got another boost as two prominent Yoruba monarchs endorsed the aspiration.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, described the former Lagos state gaffer, Tinubu as someone who is prepared for any task.

The custodians of culture stated this  when South West Agenda, SWAGA, a pro-Tinubu for president movement visited them separately in Ile-Ife and Osogbo respectively.

According to Ooni Ogunwusi, the reported ambition of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is a good signal for the Yoruba race, adding that such lofty dream could only be realized through unity.

He counseled politicians promoting Tinubu to deploy wisdom and avoid arbitrary use of power.

“Asiwaju Tinubu is a very great descendant of Oduduwa. He’s such a unique Yoruba son and we are always proud of him. He is popular and known for uprightness.

“But first, I want to challenge all politicians here this afternoon to first go and work on yourselves, you must be United if you are indeed for the Yoruba race. It is you people that form political parties, change from one party to another among other things.

“With all that said, I want you to know that many will rise with similar interest and it is allowed. I implore you and your principal to deploy wisdom not power so that we will all be on the same page.

“We Yorubas are Omoluabis and I want you all to know that everything is not politics. With these in mind, it shall be well with us and we are good to go,” Ooni advised.

Earlier, Oba Olanipekun lauded Tinubu for his ability to empower people who are around him, saying that it was time for Asiwaju to contest.

The monarch said, “Asiwaju has assisted a lot of people to their destination. It is now time for him. No doubt, he has the capacity. He listens and that, for me, is a plus. I am closer to him than you think. But since 2019 when he came here for campaign, I have neither gone near Lagos nor visit him.”

SWAGA chairman, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, while speaking at the palaces, informed that the visit was to seek the spiritual blessings of the monarchs.

“Kabiyesi, this is the highest throne in Yorubaland and Ile-Ife is the town that gave birth to all the entire Yoruba race. We have come here today seek your blessings and support towards the actualization of having a Yoruba man as the next president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023. In this quest, we have found Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu worthy and that is why we have embarked on this assignment even without being sent.

“We Yorubas must unite ourselves to realize this and not make ourselves tools in the hands of those who might be willing to divide us against ourselves. SWAGA is well known to almost everyone in the country including those from other parts who have declared support for the movement”, he declared.