Kunle Adelabu
The First Permanent Vice Chairman, Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs and the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, has appealed to the agitators for Yoruba and other nations to support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to become the President of Nigeria for a better country.
Oba Shotobi , who is also the Chairman, Ijebu Obas in Lagos State, also stated that it is only the Tinubu’s Presidency that can help in restructuring the country and address various interests and agitations.
The revered royal father made this appeal when the leaders of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State chapter, paid a courtesy visit to his palace on Tuesday, July 5, 2022.
The youth group, led by its Chairman, Comrade Lekan Biliamin Oba, paid a courtesy visit to the Ayangbure of Ikorodu as part of the activities of its retreat in Ikorodu which was organized in commemoration of Comrade Oba’s second year in office.
Oba Shotobi also charged the leadership of the youth body to get their Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) and ensure that they mobilise youths across the state to do same while also pleading with them to support Tinubu as the next President of Nigeria.
“This is the time for Yoruba to work together and prevent what happened on two previous occasions when Yoruba men were denied of the opportunity to become Nigerian President despite the fact that they were deserving”, Oba Shotobi said.
“The demand for the Yoruba nation is not by carrying guns or engaging in violence activities”, he warned.
“We, the Yorubas , are the most enlightened and our exposure is making us demanding for our rights but unfortunately, we missed it at a point……
“And not until we have somebody who knows what it takes; fought for the country during the NADECO days; fought the revalidation of Abiola’s mandate; fought several battles and government with a state and from there won other five states before making it to the centre, we will never get it right”, Oba Shotobi said.
“There is no other person with the pedigree of this man in person of Bola Ahned Tinubu.
“I am not hiding it, even though, traditional rulers do not involve in politics but no one can take away my voice.
“This is the man that can fashion out framework of a united Nigeria and if we still have to go on our different ways, which still has to go through the National and State Assemblies, this is the man that can help in chatting the course”, Oba Shotobi added.
“Let us get our PVCs which is the weapon that democracy has given to us and we should make wise use of it because nobody here is below 28 years.
“I want you as youth leaders to encourage our members to get their PVCs so as to encourage this man (Tinubu). There is no one without his own shortcomings, but he has done a lot for many people. Whether you are from the South, West, East or North, you will agree with me that he has done a lot.
“I am not trying to campaign for him but that is what I have seen and what I am telling my people and you are my people and I want you to listen to me.
“This is my beloved son in whom I am very well pleased kindly listen to him and vote for him by getting your PVC”, Ayangbure of Ikorodu said.
While encouraging the NYCN State Chairman to urge the members of the organization to get their PVCs, Oba Shotobi said that he has told his Chiefs that anyone among them without PVC will no longer be part of his entourage.
He also announced that any indigene that is unable to produce his PVC or that of his parents will no longer be issued letter of indigeneship.
“Henceforth, any Baale that does not have PVC will not be part of my entourage and any indigene that cannot produce his or her PVC or that of his or her parents will also not get letter of indigeneship from the palace”, Kabiyesi said.
Comrade Oba, responding, assured Oba Shotobi that all the State Officers and Council Coordinators of the NYCN will returned to their respective units to ensure that his directive is carried out.
“Kabiyesi has given us an assignment and we must go back to our respective councils and preach it religiously”, he said.
“This is not about Tinubu becoming the President, but more about Lagos State and a capable man in the Aso Rock.
“Asiwaju Tinubu’s Presidency is a Lagos, Yoruba and Nigeria project.
“We are assuring our royal father, Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, that we are all going back to our various communities to ensure that our people get their PVCs and vote for Tinubu who is a better candidate”, he assured.
