'Subsidy return won't serve Nigeria's long-term interest' – South West monarchs

Traditional rulers across the Southwest have rejected calls for the reintroduction of petrol subsidy, declaring that returning to the policy would undermine Nigeria's long-term economic development and fiscal sustainability.

The monarchs also endorsed President Bola Tinubu's administration and backed the proposed establishment of state police, while insisting that the presidency should remain in Southern Nigeria after the 2027 general elections.

The resolutions were reached on Wednesday at a meeting of the South-West Council of Obas and Traditional Rulers held at the Aafin Olubadan, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, Oyo State.

In a communiqué read by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the monarchs said the removal of fuel subsidy should be sustained in the interest of the country's economic future.

"The Council noted the economic realities confronting the nation and expressed support for the Federal Government's current position on fuel subsidy," the communiqué stated.

"The meeting resolved that the reintroduction of fuel subsidy would not serve the long-term interests of national economic development and fiscal sustainability."

The monarchs also reaffirmed their support for Tinubu, acknowledging the Federal Government's efforts to address national challenges and advance its development agenda.

"The Council unanimously reaffirmed its unwavering support for His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and his administration," the communiqué added.

The traditional rulers urged their counterparts across the region to intensify grassroots mobilisation and sensitise residents on government policies and programmes aimed at promoting economic growth and national stability.

On the 2027 presidential election, the monarchs called for the continuation of power rotation, arguing that retaining the presidency in the South would promote fairness, political stability and national unity.

"The principle of rotational presidency has, over the years, contributed significantly to political stability, inclusiveness, and national cohesion across Nigeria," they said.

"In the interest of fairness, equity, and the continued strengthening of national unity, the Council expressed the view that the rotational arrangement should be sustained and that the presidency should remain in Southern Nigeria in the next electoral cycle."

They explained that their position was intended to strengthen mutual trust among Nigeria's federating units and preserve the political balance necessary for national development.

On security, the monarchs endorsed the proposed establishment of state police, describing it as a strategic measure to strengthen internal security and improve responses to threats across the country.

"The Council expressed support for the proposed establishment of State Police as a strategic measure to strengthen internal security," the communiqué stated.

They also encouraged traditional rulers to sensitise young people in their communities to prepare for employment and other service opportunities that could emerge from the proposed security arrangement.

The council commended Tinubu for establishing a new military brigade in Oyo State, describing the development as a significant boost to security operations in the Southwest.

"The Council expressed profound appreciation to the President for the establishment of the new military brigade in Oyo State," the monarchs said.

They added that the military formation would strengthen the region's security architecture and help protect lives and property.

The traditional rulers also praised the Federal Government's ongoing infrastructure projects and other development initiatives across the Southwest and the country, saying they had contributed to economic activities and improved connectivity.

On the 2027 elections, they urged political parties, candidates and voters to uphold democratic values, condemning electoral violence, intimidation, vote-buying and other malpractices.

"The Council underscored the importance of peaceful, free, and credible elections at all levels," the communiqué stated.

The monarchs further pledged to strengthen relationships with traditional rulers in Northern Nigeria and other parts of the country to promote peace, mutual understanding and national integration.

"Recognising the importance of national integration, the Council called for stronger collaboration and mutual understanding among all regions of the country," they said.

The meeting was hosted by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and attended by prominent monarchs, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti; the Soun of Ogbomosho; the Deji of Akure; and the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi.

Other traditional rulers from Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states also attended the meeting.

The council resolved to maintain regular consultations on issues affecting the welfare, security and development of the Southwest and Nigeria.