President Bola Tinubu has said he invoked the spirit of ‘Emi Lokan’ from the Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
Tinubu made this statement while speaking at the palace of the Awujale in Ijebu-Ode on Thursday.
Recall that, Tinubu, before and during the campaigns ahead of the 2023 general elections, was known for the saying “Emi Lókàn”. A statement he made while addressing members of the All Progressive Congress in Ogun State in 2022, while canvassing their support.
Vanguard reported that while speaking with the Ogun monarch on Thursday, Tinubu said, “I invoked the spirit of Emi Lokan from Baba (The Awujale of Ijebuland). That’s the spirit of freedom and that’s who we are as a people.
“I came to Ogun state to invoke the spirit of freedom from which we are noted for. I invoked that spirit thrice – the spirit of Baba (Awujale) is Emi Lokan. That’s Baba, being blunt, being incisive, that’s him, he will tell you,” he added.
Recalling the naira swap policy that cause financial crises that rocked the country during the 2023 general elections, Tinubu noted that Nigerians voted at a very crucial time when “our monies were confiscated. The cash swap didn’t work. It was terrible then, I realised that.”
“And the second spirit is that money or no money, ‘A ma dibo’ (We will vote) A ma wole (We will win). Bi ko sowo (Whether there’s no money). And ever since, it’s been the spirit that’s driving me to serve.
“I’m honoured Baba. I am honoured. I’ve just come to respond to whom calling, saying I need to see you.
“Thank you for being there for me and for there for the country. You’ve demonstrated so much loyalty, so much commitment.
“Baba, this is your President. This is your son Thank you. Thank you for everything. I thank God for you being alive to witness today, to witness the result of the election that you prayed for us your children.
“You have an uncommon courage and you passed it to us. We utilised it to serve and to invoke the spirit of who we are a people, very proud and honourable people, people of great character. Our diversity for prosperity will never be forgotten,” he said.
Religion Nigeria reported earlier that the President is on a private visit to some monarchs, in the Gateway state.
Having landed in a Presidential chopper tagged, 5N FG2, Nigeria Airforce, Tinubu was received by the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Chief Olusegun Osoba and other supporters of the APC.
The President left for the residence of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona where he is expected to have a private meeting with the traditional ruler.
Tinubu is also expected to have a separate meeting with the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo in his palace in Abeokuta, the state capital.
