Insecurity Not Insurmountable, Tinubu Tackling It — Olubadan

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to combat Nigeria’s escalating insecurity challenges, insisting that the problem, though severe, is far from insurmountable. Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday after a courtesy visit to the President at the Aso Rock Villa, the traditional ruler highlighted the crippling impact of banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats on the nation’s economy, particularly agriculture.

Ladoja, who was crowned Olubadan in September 2025, explained that his visit was also an opportunity to express gratitude to Tinubu for his support during the coronation process. During the meeting, discussions centered on national security and economic issues, with the monarch acknowledging insecurity as Nigeria’s most pressing problem. “The major problem that we really have now is the problem of insecurity. Farmers find it difficult to go to their farms. It is already coming to the South also,” Ladoja stated, emphasizing how fear of attacks has forced many farmers to abandon their lands, threatening food security and livelihoods nationwide.

Despite the grim outlook, the Olubadan expressed optimism about Tinubu’s administration, noting that the President is actively addressing the security situation. “I don’t think it is insurmountable; we believe that the President is tackling it currently,” he said. Drawing from Tinubu’s track record as former Governor of Lagos State, Ladoja praised his leadership capabilities. “If you know from where he is coming, you will know that he knows what he is doing. He was able to get Lagos from where it was to where he left it,” the monarch added, suggesting that similar transformative governance could stabilize Nigeria.

Ladoja also touched on economic improvements, pointing out that states now enjoy greater financial autonomy compared to previous administrations. “The states have more money than we had when we were governors. They are able to meet their commitments more than what we had when we were governors,” he remarked, crediting ongoing reforms for aiding recovery. He warned that insecurity has persisted for too long, spreading from the North to southern regions, and disrupting daily economic activities.

Looking forward, the Olubadan voiced hope that Tinubu’s tenure, set to end in 2031, would leave a lasting positive legacy. “We hope that when he is leaving in 2031, he will have put Nigeria where all of us would be proud of,” Ladoja said.

This endorsement comes amid widespread concerns over rising insecurity, including banditry in the North-West and kidnappings affecting farming communities. Recent reports indicate that Tinubu’s support for state policing is part of a broader reset of Nigeria’s security architecture, though challenges remain. NaijaChoice News reports that similar sentiments have been echoed on social media, with users highlighting the need for sustained action to restore peace and boost agricultural productivity.

As Nigeria grapples with these issues, Ladoja’s words offer a glimmer of hope, underscoring the belief in Tinubu’s ability to navigate the country through turbulent times.