Adebayo Adenrele
The Association of Ekiti Traditional Chieftaincy Title Holders has declared its support for the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu, with a pledge to mobilise one million votes for the President in the 2027 presidential election.
The association made the commitment during a gathering hosted by the Managing Director of Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, where traditional title holders from across Ekiti State expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and urged Nigerians to support his administration’s policies.
The Chairman of the Association, Chief Oluwole Ogunsakin, said the one-million-vote commitment represented the association’s aspiration to mobilise communities across the state for the 2027 presidential election.
Ogunsakin explained that the association’s network extended beyond the gathering to towns, villages, families and grassroots organisations, adding that its members would encourage eligible voters to participate peacefully and freely in the electoral process.
On community security, Ogunsakin described insecurity as one of the most pressing concerns confronting residents, noting that traditional rulers and chiefs remained closest to the people and were strategically positioned to contribute to grassroots security.
He welcomed ongoing legislative discussions on the establishment of state police, expressing optimism that the initiative would become law.
The traditional title holders further called on the government to consider involving traditional chiefs in the screening and recommendation of credible candidates from their communities for recruitment into the proposed state police structure.
Ogunsakin said such involvement would strengthen community confidence in the security system, given the proximity of traditional leaders to residents and their knowledge of local security concerns, including activities on farms.
His words, “As custodians of our heritage and respected community leaders, we recognise the importance of peaceful democratic participation and constructive political engagement.
“On this occasion, the Association of Ekiti Traditional Cheiftaincy Title Holders declares its commitment and aspiration to mobilise One Million votes through our communities in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 Presidential Election, while supporting your political mobilisation efforts.
“We shall encourage eligible voters to participate peacefully and make their choices freely at the ballot box.;We make this declaration with a strong sense of responsibility. understanding that such an ambitious target will require effective coordination, sustained engagement, and the voluntary support of voters across our communities.
“Security appears to be the most critical concern of the people in Ekiti. We thank God for the protection of God over our Obas, Chiefs and the entire people in our communities.
“It is widely acknowledged that the Obas and Chiefs are the nearest to our people in the state. Chiefs are the heads and representatives of quarters and homes. They also overlook security on the farms.
“We appreciate the on-going debate in the National Assembly on the creation of State Police’. We are optimistic that the bill shall translate into law.
“We implore the Government to put into consideration the inclusion of traditional Chiefs in the screening and recommendation of trusted candidates in their communities for enlistment into the State Police. This becomes necessary based on their proximity to the local community people”.
Speaking at the event, Oyetunde Ojo described Tinubu’s infrastructural development efforts, particularly road construction, as unprecedented, arguing that the quality of roads being delivered under the administration could endure for decades.
He likened the scale of the road projects to the infrastructural achievements of the administration of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.
Ojo also commended Tinubu for his fairness in appointments across ethnic groups, noting that the administration had demonstrated commitment to inclusiveness in governance.
On security, the former House of Representatives member said the situation was gradually improving, citing the ongoing construction of a military barracks in Ikere-Ekiti as a significant intervention that would strengthen security operations and create employment opportunities.
“The scale of road construction being undertaken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is remarkable. The last time Nigeria witnessed infrastructure development of such magnitude was during the regime of General Yakubu Gowon.
“These roads are being constructed to stand the test of time, with the potential to last between 30 and 40 years.
“His administration has also demonstrated a commitment to inclusiveness by ensuring that appointments reflect a fair representation of the country’s diverse ethnic groups.
“On insecurity, there are gradual improvements and with sustained efforts, the situation is expected to continue improving.
“The ongoing infrastructure projects especially the barrack in Ikere-Ekiti will also create employment opportunities, stimulate economic activities and contribute significantly to addressing security challenges by engaging more people productively.
“President Tinubu is doing a lot to transform the country, yet some people continue to condemn his policies and programmes. We challenge those critics to explain what they would do differently if given the opportunity to govern”.
Former Ekiti State Governor, Engr. Segun Oni, also called for collective support for Tinubu, insisting that the President’s electoral success would require the commitment of all political stakeholders.
Oni said Nigerians seeking a prosperous future for the country should support Tinubu’s second-term ambition, while advocating political understanding and national unity across ethnic and regional lines.
Also speaking, former member of the House of Representatives, Bimbo Daramola, expressed optimism that Tinubu would secure an overwhelming electoral victory in Ekiti State in 2027.
Daramola said the target of the political mobilisation was to deliver 90 per cent of the votes in favour of the President, describing the traditional title holders as an important grassroots constituency.
Another highlight of the event was the conferment of patron on Oyetunde Ojo in recognition of his contributions to community development, relationship with traditional institutions and philanthropic engagements.
