State of the Nation: Tinubu knows what he is doing, says Ladoja

By emmanuel MALAGU

President Bola Tinubu on Friday received the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, during a courtesy visit to the State House, Abuja.

The visit came less than four months after Ladoja’s installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland in September 2025.

It was also barely 24 hours after the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, visited the President at the Presidential Villa.

Details of the closed-door meeting were not officially disclosed.

However, the visit marked Oba Ladoja’s first audience with President Tinubu since ascending the throne.

Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting, Olubadan said the visit was to thank the President for attending his installation.

“Since September 26, I have been trying to come and thank him for finding time to attend my installation,” Ladoja said.

Ladoja expressed satisfaction with the direction of the Tinubu administration, citing the President’s track record as former Lagos State governor.

“If you know where he is coming from, you know that he knows what he is doing,” the traditional ruler said.

He noted that while Nigeria’s challenges are more complex than those of a state, progress was being recorded.

Ladoja expressed optimism that ongoing economic reforms would reposition the country positively by the end of Tinubu’s tenure.

The Olubadan urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts in addressing food security, healthcare and insecurity.

He said insecurity, particularly farmers’ inability to access farmlands, remains a major concern spreading across regions.

“By and large, we believe the President is tackling the problem correctly,” he added.

Ladoja served as Governor of Oyo State from May 2003 to January 2006 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He ascended the throne following the death of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin in July 2025.

The succession followed Ibadan’s rotational chieftaincy system between the civil and military ruling lines.

Credit NAN: Texts excluding Headline