The traditional ruler of Shomolu-Bariga urges national unity, warns against attempts to truncate Tinubu’s presidency.
Byline:
By QuickGist | 20th of July, 2025
Shomolu-Bariga, Lagos – The Jagunmolu III and traditional ruler of Shomolu/Bariga, His Royal Majesty Oba Gbolahan Akanbi Timson, has publicly declared his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term ambition, while distancing himself from the Yoruba Nation agitation, which he says has taken on a divisive political dimension.
Speaking during a press conference at his palace, Oba Timson urged Yoruba-speaking Nigerians and the broader public to support President Tinubu’s leadership and reject any attempt to derail his administration.
“If Tinubu wants another four years, give him. Every other president has ruled for eight years. Why single out Tinubu?” the monarch queried.
According to Oba Timson, Nigeria’s current challenges predate the Tinubu administration, and it is unfair to place the blame solely at the president’s feet.
“We’ve been misled into thinking President Tinubu is the problem. But he inherited these issues. What we need now is unity and support, not opposition,” he stated.
"I’m Not a Politician, I’m a King"
Oba Timson emphasized that as a traditional ruler, his role is not political but cultural and communal. However, he believes supporting a Yoruba son in the highest office of the land is a matter of responsibility and unity.
“My job is to support our own. If he’s the only Yoruba man contesting in 2027, I will stand by him. But if the race becomes a divided one, I’ll back out,” he noted.
Why He’s Distancing from Yoruba Nation
On the growing agitation for a sovereign Yoruba Nation, the monarch made it clear that he initially supported the movement due to the injustice that sparked it—particularly in the case of Sunday Igboho, whose brother was reportedly killed by suspected herdsmen.
“Sunday Igboho is someone I know personally. His brother came from abroad to invest in mechanized farming but was killed on the farm. That’s what triggered his activism. And I supported him because of that purpose,” he said.
However, Oba Timson decried the movement’s recent turn toward partisan politics, particularly its antagonism toward President Tinubu.
“The Yoruba Nation movement has been politicized. It is now against Tinubu, and I can’t be part of that. I’m distancing myself from it for that reason,” he declared.
Still Loyal to Sunday Igboho
Despite his reservations about the broader Yoruba Nation agenda, the traditional ruler reaffirmed his unwavering support for Sunday Igboho as an individual.
“Sunday Igboho’s fight is clear and sincere. Whatever he hasn't done, we’ll do for him. But once it turns into an anti-Tinubu movement, count me out,” he added.
A Call for National Support and Stability
Oba Timson also cautioned against destabilizing the nation with political agitation, warning that attempts to unseat President Tinubu prematurely could have dire consequences.
“Let us allow the president to complete his term. If he asks for four more years, let him have it like others before him. That is how we maintain stability,” he concluded.
The monarch called on Nigerians across all regions and walks of life to rise above political propaganda and rally behind President Tinubu’s reform agenda, emphasizing that only collective support can move the nation forward.
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