• Says no intimidation, blackmail can stop him from becoming President
• Balogun stresses need for leaders to unite Nigeria
The National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday, visited the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III and the Olubadan-designate, Dr. Lekan Balogun, separately in Ibadan and Oyo in connection with his (Tinubu) 2023 presidential ambition.
Speaking in Ibadan, Tinubu, who said he was ready to fight dirty in his quest to become the President, said he came to the Olubadan and by extension to Ibadan people to solicit their support.
Balogun, who received Tinubu in Ibadan, lamented the unsavoury state of the nation’s unity just as he called for a leader that would pull back the country from the brink come 2023.
Speaking through his brother and senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Dr. Kola Balogun, during the visit at his Alarere residence, the newly-appointed Olubadan said the country had been badly divided.
He said: “Nigeria is badly divided today and we are looking forward to a Yoruba president that will unite the country come 2023. We need a leader that has a national focus and acceptability. The road may be rough, but by God’s grace, you will triumph,” the monarch prayed.
Tinubu, who was accompanied by top members of his campaign group, said he was honoured to be in Ibadan and said the purpose was to beg the monarch and Ibadan people to pray for him in his quest to become the country’s president.
He described this period as a historical moment and a reminder of history, recalling that each time a Yoruba man wants to be President, issues are raised, questions are asked and all sorts of hang-up are encountered.
“I am out to become President of Nigeria. No intimidation, no blackmail can stop me. I have read about a Greek philosopher that if you want to fight a pig, you must be ready to be smeared and I am ready to be dirty.”
Tinubu congratulated the new Olubadan for the grace to ascend the throne, which he said, would give the ancient city a new outlook considering the robust background of Dr. Balogun as an educationist, politician of progressive leaning and a humanist with a prayer for a long life and sound health.
Earlier, the Alaafin of Oyo had expressed confident that the Yoruba ancestors would make Tinubu President of Nigeria in 2023.
The duo went into a closed-door meeting immediately after the former Lagos State Governor got to the palace.
