HRM Oba Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, Oba Owolabi Adeniyi Urges President Tinubu to Address Insecurity, Advocates Peaceful Local Government Elections in Lagos

Address by HRM Oba Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom and Its Environs, Oba Owolabi Adeyemi Adeniyi, on the State of the Nation

Delivered on June 13th, 2025, at the Palace in Jibowu, Fadeyi, Lagos State

Good morning to everyone.

My distinguished Chiefs and Baales,

Residents of Igbobi-Sabe,

Gentlemen of the Press,

It is a great honour to address you today on the State of the Nation.

Two Years of President Bola Tinubu’s Government and Honours to June 12 Heroes

Let me begin by congratulating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the notable achievements recorded in the last two years of his administration. However, I must also use this platform to remind Mr. President that much more needs to be done, particularly in tackling the growing insecurity and hunger across the country.

I also commend the President for his decision yesterday, in commemoration of Democracy Day, to honour the heroes of the June 12 struggle with posthumous awards. This is indeed a welcome development.

Democracy thrives when every Nigerian is given the opportunity to participate and contribute actively to its growth. It is through inclusive engagement that we can rebuild the lost glory of our nation.

I urge the President to prioritise the worsening insecurity, particularly the continued killings in Plateau, Benue, Taraba, and Borno States. These attacks have instilled fear in our farmers and directly contribute to the food shortage and hunger ravaging the land.

It is easy to demolish a skyscraper in a matter of hours, but it takes years to build. That is the unfortunate analogy of our nation’s situation. The President inherited a struggling economy and deep-rooted challenges, and it will take the collective support, prayers, and cooperation of all Nigerians to overcome them.

July 12th Local Government Elections in Lagos State

As we approach the forthcoming Local Government Elections scheduled for July 12, 2025, I appeal to all residents of Lagos State to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid any actions that could disrupt the electoral process.

Elections are the cornerstone of democracy and offer citizens the opportunity to freely choose their representatives at all levels of government.

I encourage all eligible voters—those aged 18 and above with valid voter cards—to go out and vote for the candidates of their choice.

After the APC primary election, some aggrieved members came to my palace in protest, expressing concerns over the conduct of the exercise. I had to appeal for calm and urged them to embrace peace and avoid violence.

I also appeal to Mr. President to intervene and look into the genuine concerns of those affected by the outcome of the APC primaries in Lagos. Those who have laboured and sacrificed for the party should not be neglected or sidelined by imposition of candidates. The party must learn from the outcome of the 2023 presidential election in Lagos.

Furthermore, I call on the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to uphold transparency, fairness, and justice throughout the election process. A credible election will strengthen public trust and ensure continued peaceful coexistence among all residents of Lagos State.

Power Tussle Among Traditional Rulers in the South West

The ongoing power struggle among first-class traditional rulers in the South West is unfortunate and unnecessary. It is disheartening that this crisis has found its way into the public space.

In Oyo State, the bone of contention is who should permanently preside over the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. The contenders include the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Laoye. This follows a bill before the Oyo State House of Assembly proposing a rotational leadership for the council.

Additionally, I am deeply concerned about the reported friction between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo over issues of supremacy. As revered fathers of the Yoruba race, such conflicts should be avoided in the interest of unity and the preservation of our cultural heritage.

Historically, traditional rulers were part of governance even during colonial times, but successive governments have deliberately diminished their influence. We must remember that traditional rulers are the closest to the grassroots and remain with the people long after politicians have left office.

Call for Constitutional Roles for Traditional Rulers

Finally, I wish to renew my call for clearly defined constitutional roles for traditional rulers in Nigeria. The ongoing constitutional amendment process presents a golden opportunity for the National Assembly to address this longstanding issue. I hope this will be finalised before the end of December this year.

Thank you once again, gentlemen of the press.

Signed,

HRM Oba Owolabi Adeyemi Adeniyi

Oba Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom

June 13th, 2025