The Arole Oodua, Olofin Adimula, Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has commended the economic reforms of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, saying the government has made significant progress in stabilising Nigeria’s economy.
The foremost African monarch stated this on Thursday while receiving the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, at the Ile-Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife.
The statement was issued by Sodiq Lawal, Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare.
Ooni Ogunwusi, who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, NCTRN, said the administration had taken bold and difficult decisions to reposition the country, with positive results now evident in key macroeconomic indicators.
“Economically, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is trying. We must acknowledge the courage it took to implement some of these reforms. Today, Nigeria’s macroeconomic indicators are improving. Our foreign reserves have risen to about $52 billion, crude oil production is approaching two million barrels per day, and the capital market is performing remarkably well,” the Ooni said.
“These achievements did not come by accident. They are products of deliberate reforms aimed at repositioning the Nigerian economy.”
The monarch, however, stressed that the next phase must focus on translating macroeconomic gains to the micro level.
“The concern now is the micro economy. The President himself is deeply concerned that the gains of these reforms must get to the common people. That is where all of us must work together to ensure these economic gains translate into better living conditions for Nigerians.”
The Ooni also expressed concern over rising political tension in Osun State ahead of the forthcoming governorship election and urged all political actors to shun violence.
“The political tension in Osun State is becoming too much, and we are all feeling it. Nobody is stopping anyone from campaigning or supporting a political party, but politics must never lead to violence. As traditional rulers, we will continue to preach peace because our responsibility goes beyond politics. We want peace in Ifeland, peace across Osun State and peaceful elections.”
“Power belongs to the people. It is not by force and not by violence. Let everyone remain calm, respect the democratic process and allow the people to freely choose their leaders.”
Welcoming the governors to the cradle of the Yoruba race, the Ooni described them as “humble and exemplary public servants whose simplicity and respect for traditional institutions distinguish them.”
“You are welcome to the source of the Yoruba race. Beyond politics, you have come here as men who embody the Omoluabi virtues, and we are proud to receive you.”
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo said the visit was to seek the Ooni’s royal blessings and to appreciate his role in promoting peace, national unity, and good governance.
“We have come home to appreciate Your Imperial Majesty for all you have been doing for our country. Your leadership and commitment to peace have inspired many of us.”
Governor Ododo added that the governors were also in Osun to sensitise residents on the programmes and reforms of the Tinubu administration.
“President Tinubu took bold decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidy, in the interest of the nation’s future. Today, states receive improved allocations, salaries are being paid more consistently, investments in agriculture have increased, healthcare facilities across the 774 local government areas are being upgraded, and road infrastructure is receiving attention.”
He appealed to political leaders in Osun State to support the Renewed Hope Agenda and ensure peace before, during, and after the election.
Traditional rulers present included the Salu of Edunabon, Oba Adesoji Kehinde Oladepo; Alasipa of Asipa, Oba Mufutau Babawale; Olumokun of Yakoyo, Oba Meshach Oyewole Oyediran; Alakinlalu of Akinlalu, Oba Idowu Olowabusola; Oluwaro of Iwaro, Oba Ayoola Adesokan; Olukitibi of Kitibi, Oba Adebisi Ayoola; and Olupoti of Ipoti-Ekiti, Oba Kolade James Oladipupo, among others.
