President Bola Tinubu expressed his reliance on the spirit of freedom and determination during his visit to Ogun State, Nigeria. The visit took him to the palaces of Oba Sikiru Adetona, the paramount ruler of Ijebuland, and Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, in Abeokuta, the state capital. During his interactions, Tinubu shared his experiences leading up to the presidential election held on February 25, 2023.
Despite facing hurdles, Tinubu maintained hope and optimism, believing in his chances of achieving victory. One of the challenges he highlighted was the ineffective implementation of the cashless policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Reflecting on the period leading up to the election, Tinubu recalled his concerns about fund confiscation and the shortcomings of the cashless policy.
During his visit to Oba Adetona’s palace, Tinubu sought wisdom and guidance. He invoked the spirits of freedom and determination, symbolized by “Emi lokan,” in order to overcome the obstacles he faced during the election campaign.
Addressing the crowd, President Tinubu spoke candidly about the difficulties encountered, stating, “Our monies were confiscated. The cashless policy didn’t work; it was terrible then. I realized that, I came to Ogun State to invoke the spirit of freedom which we are noted for.” He further emphasized the importance of the spirit of Baba Emilokan, known for his bluntness and decisiveness. Tinubu credited this spirit for providing guidance and strength throughout the challenges. Additionally, he underlined his unwavering determination, affirming that the election would proceed and victory would be attained, regardless of financial resources.
President Tinubu’s visit to Ogun State and his interaction with the revered traditional rulers showcased his resilience and belief in the values of freedom and determination. These qualities, deeply ingrained in the spirit of the Nigerian people, played a significant role in his ability to navigate the obstacles faced during the 2023 presidential election.
As Nigeria continues its democratic journey, the experiences shared by President Tinubu serve as a testament to the strength and determination required to overcome challenges and achieve success in the political landscape.
