Sola Popoola
The Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, has charged members of the Association of Ekiti Traditional Chieftaincy Title Holders to lead the charge for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Ojo gave the charge during a strategic engagement with the traditional chiefs in Ekiti State, where he solicited their support for the President’s second-term ambition.
He said President Tinubu has laid a solid foundation for Nigeria’s economic recovery through bold reforms, massive investment in housing, infrastructure, agriculture and job creation, adding that the President deserves a second term to consolidate on the gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, traditional chiefs are custodians of culture and influential voices at the grassroots, and their involvement is crucial to securing a landslide victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti and across the country.
“Your influence in your various communities cannot be overemphasized. I urge you to lead the charge, mobilise your people and ensure that President Tinubu is returned in 2027 to continue the good work he has started,” Ojo said.
“The scale of road construction being undertaken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is remarkable. The last time Nigeria witnessed infrastructure development of such magnitude was during the regime of General Yakubu Gowon. These roads are being constructed to stand the test of time, with the potential to last between 30 and 40 years,” Ojo said.
He also commended the President for inclusiveness in appointments and said security was gradually improving.
“His administration has also demonstrated a commitment to inclusiveness by ensuring that appointments reflect a fair representation of the country’s diverse ethnic groups. On insecurity, there are gradual improvements and with sustained efforts, the situation is expected to continue improving,” he said.
“The ongoing infrastructure projects especially the barrack in Ikere-Ekiti will also create employment opportunities, stimulate economic activities and contribute significantly to addressing security challenges by engaging more people productively. President Tinubu is doing a lot to transform the country, yet some people continue to condemn his policies and programmes. We challenge those critics to explain what they would do differently if given the opportunity to govern,” Ojo added.
He assured the chiefs that the Tinubu administration remains committed to the development of Ekiti State and the welfare of traditional institutions.
In his speech ,the Chairman of the association, Chief Oluwole Ogunsakin, said the commitment reflects the association’s aspiration to galvanize grassroots support for the President through its extensive network across communities.
They described Ojo as a worthy ambassador of Ekiti State at the federal level, commending his efforts in driving the Renewed Hope housing agenda across the country.
“As custodians of our heritage and respected community leaders, we recognise the importance of peaceful democratic participation and constructive political engagement,” Ogunsakin said.
“On this occasion, the Association of Ekiti Traditional Chieftaincy Title Holders declares its commitment and aspiration to mobilise one million votes through our communities in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 Presidential Election, while supporting your political mobilisation efforts,” he added.
He said the target would require effective coordination and voluntary support of voters, adding that members would encourage eligible voters to participate peacefully and exercise their franchise freely.
“We shall encourage eligible voters to participate peacefully and make their choices freely at the ballot box. We make this declaration with a strong sense of responsibility, understanding that such an ambitious target will require effective coordination, sustained engagement, and the voluntary support of voters across our communities,” Ogunsakin said.
Ogunsakin described insecurity as the most critical concern of Ekiti residents and called for the inclusion of traditional chiefs in the security architecture.
“Security appears to be the most critical concern of the people in Ekiti. We thank God for the protection of God over our Obas, Chiefs and the entire people in our communities. It is widely acknowledged that the Obas and Chiefs are the nearest to our people in the state. Chiefs are the heads and representatives of quarters and homes. They also overlook security on the farms,” he said.
He welcomed the ongoing debate in the National Assembly on state police and urged government to involve traditional leaders in screening candidates for recruitment.
“We appreciate the on-going debate in the National Assembly on the creation of State Police. We are optimistic that the bill shall translate into law. We implore the Government to put into consideration the inclusion of traditional Chiefs in the screening and recommendation of trusted candidates in their communities for enlistment into the State Police. This becomes necessary based on their proximity to the local community people,” Ogunsakin stated.
In his remarks ,former Ekiti State Governor, Engr. Segun Oni, called for collective support for Tinubu’s second-term bid, stressing the need for political understanding and national unity.
Also former House of Representatives member, Bimbo Daramola, said the mobilisation drive targets 90 per cent of votes for Tinubu in Ekiti in 2027, describing traditional title holders as a critical grassroots constituency.
A highlight of the event was the conferment of patronship on Ojo in recognition of his contributions to community