Wilson Adekumola
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun has told the presidential candidate of Peoples’ Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar to settle his rift with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and other G-5 Govs.
The monarch, who said Atiku is his friend, disclosed that he was not happy with the recent happenings in the party, noting that Atiku should reconcile with the aggrieved governors fast as soon as possible ahead of 2023 general elections.
G-5 Governors including; Nyesome Wike of Rivers State, Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State have not been in good terms with
Atiku over the resignation of the national chairman of the party, Iyorcha Ayu.
Olubadan told Atiku who paid courtesy visit to his palace that his reconciliation becomes necessary for his victory in the coming election on February 25.
He then told Atiku not to forget the traditional rulers, fix the insecurity issue and allows Ibadan to become a state, if elected.
Reacting, Atiku assured the Olubadan that PDP government would make sure traditional rulers are given a prominent place in his administration across the nation particularly at this time the country is facing security challenge.
“I remember role of the traditional institution during the colonial era when they were responsible for maintaining law and order in their respective domains, PDP government will look into all these institution to bring about safer and more united Nigeria.
“We shall implement the restructuring of the country, we shall dialogue with various constituents of the country so that we can give them full autonomy and resources that we can witness more inclusive development in the nation’s economy.
“These are some of the policies we intend to deploy when we emerge, we intend to open up the economy so that Nigerians can have jobs in all sectors of the economy, “he disclosed.
Those who were in the entourage of Atiku to the palace include; PDP Deputy presidential candidate, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, former Osun Sate Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Cross River Sate Governor, Lyel Imoke, Sen. Dino Melaye, former PDP national chairman, Uche Secondus, Former Adamawa Governor, Sule Lamido, ex Oyo deputy Governor, Hazeem Gbolarumi and former Minister of State for FCT, Jumoke Akinjide among others.
Source: the Nation