Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has declared that Nigeria needs leaders who deeply care about ordinary Nigerians and the progress of the country.
He said this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr) Lekan Balogun Alli, Okunmade II, at his Alarere residence, Ibadan, adding that President Muhammadu Buhari has given him the opportunity to serve.
The vice president disclosed that he was in Ibadan to have a meeting with the Oyo State delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of the party’s presidential primary.
Osinbajo told Kabiyesi and members of the Olubadan-In-Council that he came to pay homage to the Olubadan and sought his blessings on his desire to become the next president at the expiration of President Buhari’s tenure in 2023.
He said his decision to contest the presidency was informed by the need to put into use of the country his seven-and-a-half years of tutelage under the president.
“During those years, Mr. President truly gave me every opportunity to know all what the government was doing, including very sensitive issues, and I felt it would be the right thing to do to deploy all those experiences under President Muhammadu Buhari to the service of the country.
“Nigeria needs all who are willing to serve to attain her potentials. I have come to Ibadan to confer with the party delegates on my intention to run for the presidency which I formally declared for on 11 April, this year.
“Kabiyesi, I know that you are no more a politician, though it is said that we are all political animals. But your position as the father of all precludes Your Imperial Majesty from being active.
“So, I covet your prayers and want to assure Your Majesty that wherever I may be, your highly respected position is guaranteed,” Osinbajo further said.
He described the coming to the throne of Oba Balogun, who he described as ‘Kabiyesi of the people, Kabiyesi of the common man’, in view of his background as an activist, as a great blessing to Ibadan.
“I am happy for the people of Ibadan. Kabiyesi is a great gift to Ibadan and the nation in general”, he added.
Deputy governor of Oyo State, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan who stood in for Governor Seyi Makinde, said his could not join the train on the visit of the vice president because of other state matters that need urgent attention.
Responding, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, prayed that God will grant Professor Osinbajo his heart desires, especially his ambition to succeed President Buhari in 2023.
Oba Balogun offered his prayer for the vice president, saying: “As we watch ourselves, God watches us as well and in most cases. What we think of ourselves are the same with what God thinks of us.
“We are proud of you and share your aspiration. I don’t want to be tempted to talk politics and I can spend hours praying for you But just let me hand you over to the Almighty Allah to take total control and be with you and your entourage.”
Speaking earlier, Senator Kola Balogun, in his welcome address, said the Olubadan of Ibadanland thanked the vice president for gracing his coronation ceremony, held on 11 March, 2022, with his presence.
Senator Balogun, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, said Oba Balogun had listened to the speech delivered by Osinbajo at the coronation ceremony time and time again, declaring that the vice president has confirmed that he is, indeed, an orator and everything the country needs.
Balogun of Ibadanland and the Osi-Balogun, High Chiefs Owolabi Olakulehin and Lateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe respectively, who also spoke at the brief occasion, acknowledged the love of Professor Osinbajo for Ibadan and prayed for his success at the primary election.
President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Prince Yemisi Adeaga, the apex socio-cultural organisation of Ibadanland stands for the preservation of the honour and dignity of the Olubadan and whatever Olubadan stands for is what the people of Ibadan, through the CCII stand for.
Vice President Osinbajo was accompanied on the courtesy visit by some former and serving federal lawmakers, including Professor Oserheimen Osunbor who was the Olubadan’s colleague in the Senate between 1999 and 2003.
Others included Senator Mohammed Bulkachuwa, Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin, Honourable Segun Odebunmi, Honourable Fatuhu Muhammad, Oyo APC cahirman, Mr Isaac Omodewu and an APC governorship aspirants in the state, Chief Niyi Akintola SAN, among several other chieftains of the party in the state.
