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2023: Ooni withholds blessing on Tinubu’s presidential ambition
BY NICHOLAS ABE
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has tasked a team of political foot soldiers who visited him to canvass for his blessing, in favour of former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2023 presidential ambition, on the need to forge a united front if truly they were working for Yoruba interest.
Even though the Ooni had some kind words for the All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader, the revered king nonetheless withheld his blessing for Tinubu’s ambition sort by proxy.
“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,” the Ooni counselled his visitors.
At the head of the Tinubu’s foot soldiers was former Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, Dayo Adeyeye.
Adeyeye, who lost his senatorial seat to Senator Abiodun Olujimi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), according to The Punch, had urged the Ooni to prevail on those aspiring to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari, from the South-West, to shelve their ambition for the former Lagos governor.
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Senator Adeyeye spoke on Monday in Ile-Ife when he led members of South-West Agenda for 2023 on a courtesy visit to the Ooni in his palace.
The former Senate spokesperson explained that Tinubu had not directed the group to canvas for him ahead of 2023, but said members of SWAGA decided to mobilise support for the ex-governor because he had the capacity to bring the presidency to the South-West.
He said, “We plead with the Ooni and other Yoruba monarchs to ensure unity within the race. Whoever that should be talked to, should be talked to and ensure that a capable candidate is fielded.
“Some northern elements want to use some Yoruba people to divide the South-West region. Help us prevail on those that want to contest to shelve the idea. Asiwaju is capable to bring presidency to South-West.”
The Ooni however advised the politicians to deploy wisdom and avoid arbitrary use of power.