Governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, has stressed the importance of national unity during a meeting with the former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, in the latter’s quest to become the president of Nigeria.
Makinde made this call on Saturday, January 15, when Tinubu visited him over the demise of a former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, and two prominent traditional rulers – the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogunguniso 1.
While wishing Tinubu well, the governor noted that he wants the best for Nigeria.
A statement by Mr. Taiwo Adisa, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, quoted the governor as saying that the national leader of All Progressives Congress stood for politics without bitterness.
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According to him, politicians, may fight, struggle for political positions, but power can only come from God.
He said, “I want to welcome you to Oyo State. We are really grateful for this visit. This is the year political parties will elect their candidates towards the election that is coming next year. So, what this had demonstrated to us is, you stood for politics without bitterness.
“During this political season, you may have to question yourself on why you need to come to the Government House because people might have another interpretation to it. But you sent a message to me and I was delighted to host you in Ibadan.
“We lost two traditional rulers almost in quick succession. First, it was Soun of Ogbomoso land, and we were planning for the burial when the Olubadan of Ibadanland also joined his ancestors. We were still in the middle of that when former Governor Akala also died. I can see that in Oyo State, we try to take politics out of what we call ‘omoluabi’.
“We may fight, struggle for political positions; but we know power can only come from God; and He gives it to whomever He will like to give it to at whatever time.
“We really thank you for this visit; and want to let you know that we have taken proper notice; that you have risen above politics; and all that is going around here to come and share with us at this moment that we are grieving. We say thank you.
“Let me also use this opportunity to wish you well in your political quest to govern this nation. We want the best for this country and only the best is good enough at this particular time.”
Tinubu was quoted as saying that the reign of the two prominent traditional rulers was peaceful, adding that the duo contributed to the peaceful atmosphere of the state.
