A leading presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Sunday, paid a courtesy visit on the Olubadan of Ibadanland-Designate, Dr Lekan Balogun.
Speaking during the visit at the private residence of the Olubadan-designate, Senator Tinubu said he was not intimidated and ready to fight dirty in his quest to become the president of the country said he came to Olubadan and, by extension, to the people of Ibadan to solicit for their support.
Tinubu, who was accompanied by top members of his campaign group, said he was honoured to be in Ibadan, adding that the purpose of the visit was to beg the traditional ruler and Ibadan people to pray for him in his quest to become the president.
He described the period as an historical moment and a reminder of history, recalling that each time a Yoruba wants to be president, issues would be raised, questions would be asked and all sorts of hang-up would be encountered.
“I come here to request for your prayer for me and the Yoruba race. We are at a crossroad; people are volunteering to confront me when they were asked who would confront the Lion of Bourdilon?,” Tinubu said.
The former governor of Lagos State expressed his readiness and determination to contest the election as he declared: “I’m out to become the president of Nigeria. No intimidation, no blackmail can stop me. I have read about a Greek philosopher that if you want to fight a pig, you must be ready to be smeared and I’m ready to be dirty.”
Tinubu congratulated the new Olubadan for the grace to ascend the throne which he said would give the ancient city a new outlook, giving the robust background of Dr. Balogun as an educationist, politician of progressive leaning and a humanist with a prayer for a long life and in sound health.
The leader of the campaign group, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, in his opening remarks, traced the historical linkage between Ibadan and Lagos and requested that if a Lagosian is seeking the support of Ibadan people as they had come to do, it was not out of place.
“We both own Ibadan; we have been working together before. We bring Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to you and Ibadan. It would be a great thing for Ibadan and the Yoruba race, if we can produce the country’s president in 2023,” he added.
Responding, the Olubadan-designate, Dr. Lekan Balogun, lamented the precarious state of the national unity and called for a leader that would pull back the country from the brink in 2023.
Speaking through his brother and senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Dr. Kola Balogun, he said the country is badly divided.
Senator Kola Balogun said: “Kabiyesi has known you for a long time as a progressive politician as well as your antecedents as the governor that laid the foundation of the present Lagos.
“Yoruba are the leading light of Nigeria. Our people contributed a lot to make Nigeria what it is and without the Yoruba, Nigeria cannot be where it is today. But it is very sad to note the ‘to your tent oh Israel’ that has of recent become the sing-song of the people.
“Nigeria is badly divided today and we are looking forward to a Yoruba president that will unite the country, come 2023. We need a leader that has a national focus and acceptability. The road may be rough but, by God’s grace, you will triumph.”
On Senator Tinubu’s entourage were a former deputy governor of Lagos State, Mr Femi Pedro, Kaoli Olusanya, Tajudeen Oluwa, Senator Rilwan Adesoji, Chief Bayo Adelabu (Penkelemesi) and Alhaji Mutiu Aare, among others.
The delegation was received by High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland High Chief Amidu Ajibade, the Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, former Minister of Industries, Chief Mrs Onikepo Akande, Chief Mrs Mutiat Ladoja and Olori Olufunmilayo Balogun.
