Ogun Monarch Backs Tinubu, Says Nigeria's Economy Gradually Recovering

The Olu of Imasayi in Ogun State, Oba Lukman Kuoye, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu's administration, stating that Nigeria is steadily progressing towards economic recovery.

Kuoye made the remarks on Tuesday at his palace in Imasayi, located in Yewa North Local Government Area, during a press briefing held to commemorate his fifth year on the throne.

The traditional ruler pointed to the visible effects of ongoing Federal Government projects, especially road reconstruction and rehabilitation, which he said can be observed along key routes connecting communities in Ogun State and other regions.

He invited observers to travel through Atan, Agbara, Olorule-Meji and Imeko-Afon along the coastal highway to witness the infrastructure work being carried out under the current administration.

Kuoye, who revealed that he was formerly active in politics under the Peoples Democratic Party, said he had long held Tinubu in high regard for his political experience and his capacity to mentor others.

He acknowledged that the economic reforms being pursued by the government may take time before their benefits are widely felt, noting that there is no quick fix for transforming a country within a short span.

Past governments, he said, had tried to steer the economy, but the present one is making efforts to restructure it at a fundamental level. He expressed confidence that the economy would improve considerably in the years ahead.

"Nigeria is better than where it was since Asiwaju Bola Tinubu became president. I want you to take a ride through Atan, Agbara, Olorule-Meji and Imeko-Afon on the coastal highway and follow the line to see what is happening there," he said.

"Tinubu is now reconstructing and rehabilitating roads, and he is putting the Nigerian economy on a prosperous path. It might look like something small to us, but he is bringing the Nigerian economy onto the right path."

He added that his admiration for the president dates back to his time in the PDP. "Since I was in the Peoples Democratic Party as a politician, I have loved President Bola Tinubu because of his track record. He is a politician. If we had about 10 of him in Nigerian politics, this country would have been better than this because he has been grooming people, and he doesn't want to know you before he helps you."

While cautioning that four years may not be enough to fully achieve the transformation, he insisted the direction was right. "I want to tell you, yes, it might be too difficult to get there in four years because there is no magic. But to discover that Tinubu is getting it right in Nigeria, I want to tell you that in the next five years things will turn better," he assured.

Turning to the forthcoming 66th Independence anniversary, Kuoye said Nigerians have more reasons to celebrate this year, pointing to a gradual reduction in political tension and renewed interest in economic activities.

He also highlighted improved electricity supply as a noticeable development, saying he had not needed to rely on a generator. "Before, people would be saying, 'Do we need to celebrate, and what are we celebrating?' But now we have a lot to celebrate. The political tension also comes down. Nigeria is getting interest, and we people are really enjoying it," he said.

"We have been here almost two, three hours. The light is okay. We are not using a generator. It is electricity. It is part of it because the megawatts that are generating electricity for us are increasing."

The monarch also advised politicians against desperate pursuit of office, stressing that leadership positions are ultimately decided by God.

Reflecting on his own political journey, Kuoye, a former vice chairman of Ado-Odo Local Government Area, said he turned down an opportunity to remain in political office after his tenure. He later sought employment and was eventually appointed by the National Identity Management Commission. He argued that politicians should prepare for life beyond elective or appointed positions, saying an alternative career or source of income would curb desperation and unhealthy rivalry.

He urged politicians to return to their businesses and professions after their appointments or elective terms end, rather than constantly scrambling for another office.

"Every politician must have a second address. If you have a second address, you will take it lightly. You will not be fighting, you will not be maligning personalities, you will not be decreasing yourself if you have a second address," he said.

"Politicians should go back to their business after the appointment or end of their elective positions; not that you apply in the office, you struggle to have another one. You must have a second address. I want everyone, the political actors, to know that it is God who ordains. If it is not their turn today, tomorrow it will be their turn."

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