Soun Of Ogbomosoland Commends Tinubu’s Bold Economic Reforms

… Says, “Policies Initially Difficult But Yielding Results”

BY ABU-SATAR HAMED

FCT, ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its bold policies aimed at transforming Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.

The monarch made this observation on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, when he led a delegation of traditional rulers from Ogbomosoland to the State House in Abuja.

According to the Soun, while many of the President’s reforms appeared tough at the beginning, they are already producing visible benefits.

He commended Tinubu for his “boldness” in taking decisive steps that previous administrations had avoided, stressing that Nigeria was now beginning to experience stability and progress.

Oba Ghandi highlighted the removal of fuel subsidy as one of Tinubu’s most courageous reforms.

He recalled how past governments avoided the policy, but noted that the decision had eliminated fuel scarcity and panic buying during festive seasons.

Soun of Ogbomosoland also pointed out that fuel prices were beginning to drop and assured that the move benefited both the rich and poor.

The monarch also applauded Tinubu’s decision to unify Nigeria’s foreign exchange system, describing it as taking on “a sixty-pound gorilla” that everyone had long ignored. He noted that the unification had ended distortions and irregularities at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The Soun further praised the administration for increasing allowances for youth corps members, tackling the perennial ASUU strikes, and introducing funding support for indigent students.

He described these actions as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to youth development and education.

Oba Ghandi expressed gratitude to the President for appointing indigenes of Ogbomosoland into key positions, including Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); Debo Adedokun at the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP); and others serving in various capacities. He assured Tinubu of their competence and loyalty.

The monarch, while commending the President for awarding the long-neglected Oyo-Ogbomoso road, presented several requests on behalf of his people, completion of transmission for the 132KVA power station to improve electricity supply; revival of Ogbomoso’s water project and provision of commercial boreholes in other local governments; greater federal presence in Ogbomoso to create jobs, reduce crime, and upgrade the General Hospital to a Federal Medical Centre; revitalisation of an abandoned first-class medical facility looted due to lack of staffing and expansion of Ogbomoso’s arterial road into a dual carriageway to boost commerce.

In his response, President Tinubu warmly welcomed the delegation, describing the Soun as a long-time acquaintance and expressing joy at his ascension to the throne.

He acknowledged the monarch’s commendations, noting that his administration’s reforms were painful at first but necessary to rescue Nigeria’s economy.

Tinubu reported that the economy had stabilised, revenue leakages were being blocked, and Nigeria was regaining global respect as a strong business partner.

 He pledged action on the 132KVA power project, water supply, and increased federal presence in Ogbomoso through agriculture, research and skill development.

The Soun was accompanied by prominent traditional rulers, including the Alajaawa of Ajaawa, Oba Thompson Adeyeye Oyetunji; Alapa of Okin-Apa, Oba Prof. John Akinola Akintola; Aale of Okelerin, Oba Samuel Babatunde Amao; and Orisatolu of Isapa Kingdom, Oba Ezekiel Bolarinwa Olajide.

Other dignitaries included the Areago of Ogbomosoland, High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin; the Iyalode of Ogbomosoland, Chief Oluwakemi Ogundare; the Aare Musulumi of Ogbomosoland, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Atanda Owodunni; Prof. Adeshola Adepoju, immediate past Executive Director of FRIN; and businessman Mr. Tunji Olaniyi.

Though not part of the Soun’s official entourage, Chief Sunday Dare, Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland and Special Assistant on Media and Public Communications to the President, was also present at the meeting on behalf of the Federal Government.