The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the best democratically elected President in Nigeria’s history, describing him as “God-sent” and urging anyone planning to challenge him in the next presidential election to reconsider.
The outspoken traditional ruler made the remarks in a video shared on his official Facebook page, where he extensively praised the President’s leadership, economic reforms and educational initiatives.
Oba Akanbi said he was particularly proud that President Tinubu hails from Yorubaland, adding that the President has demonstrated exceptional courage by implementing reforms that previous administrations were unwilling to undertake.
According to the monarch, the removal of fuel subsidy remains one of the most significant and beneficial decisions taken by the Tinubu administration.
He argued that although the policy initially imposed economic hardship on Nigerians, it has strengthened public finances and enabled state governments to receive substantially higher monthly allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The monarch noted that with the increase in federal allocations, governors now have greater financial resources to execute developmental projects and improve the welfare of their citizens.
Oba Akanbi therefore urged Nigerians to direct greater scrutiny towards their state governments rather than placing all responsibility for governance on the President.
“States are receiving far more money than they did before. Nigerians should hold their governors accountable for how these funds are being spent instead of blaming the President for every challenge,” he said.
The Oluwo also commended the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as one of the administration’s most impactful initiatives. He said the student loan programme has created opportunities for thousands of Nigerian students to pursue higher education without financial barriers, adding that the scheme reflects the President’s commitment to investing in the country’s future.
Speaking on his frequent public support for President Tinubu, the monarch dismissed criticisms from those who question his views because of his position as a traditional ruler.
Oba Akanbi said he has never been afraid to challenge practices he considers outdated, recalling that he had abolished what he described as “dirty traditions” after ascending the throne.
According to him, his reforms were aimed at restoring the dignity of the Iwo traditional institution.
“Some people ask why I speak the way I do despite occupying a royal stool. They forget that I modernised and polished the throne by abolishing practices that did not reflect dignity. I cannot afford to sit around what I consider dirty traditions,” the monarch stated.
The Oluwo maintained that his support for President Tinubu was based on conviction rather than political considerations, insisting that history would remember the President for taking bold decisions in Nigeria’s interest.
He concluded by describing Tinubu as “God-sent” for Nigeria, saying anyone nursing presidential ambitions against the incumbent should “step aside,” expressing confidence that no other democratically elected Nigerian leader has matched Tinubu’s performance
