The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, on Thursday, urged the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to reconcile with the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde and other G-5 Govrnors.
The monarch, who described Atiku as his friend, said he is not happy with the recent happenings in the party, noting that Atiku should do something fast to unite the party ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The G-5 Governors, including Nyesome Wike (Rivers); Samuel Otorm (Benue); Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu); Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Seyi Makinde(Oyo) were at loggerheads with Atiku over the resignation of the national chairman of the party, Iyiocha Ayu.
Speaking in Ibadan while receiving Atiku, who was on a courtesy visit to his palace, the monarch said Atiku’s reconciliation becomes necessary for his victory in 2023.
He, however, said: “If Atiku becomes the President,” he should not forget traditional rulers, resolve insecurity and allow Ibadan to become a State.
Atiku said PDP government would make sure traditional rulers are relevant across the nation particularly at this time the country is experiencing many security challenges.
“I remember role of the traditional institution during the colonial era when they were responsible for maintaining law and order in their respective domains, PDP government will look into all these institutions to bring about safer and more united Nigeria.
“We shall implement the restructuring of the country, we shall dialogue with various constituents of the country so that we can give them full autonomy and resources so that we can witness more inclusive development in the nation’s economy.
“These are some of the policies we intend to deploy when we emerged, we intend to open up the economy so that Nigerians can have jobs in all sectors of the economy,” he said.
Those at the entourage of Atiku include PDP Deputy presidential candidate Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; Bayelsa Governor Duoye Diri; former Vice President Namadi Sambo; former Osun State governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Cross River State governor, Lyke Imoke; Sen. Dino Melaye; former PDP National Chairman, Uche Seconds; former Adamawa State governor, Sule Lamido; ex Oyo Deputy Governor, Hazeem Gbolarumi and former Minister of State for FCT, Jumoke Akinjide among others.