Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has urged religious and regional leaders to strengthen unity and promote peaceful coexistence as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections. He made the call at the formal turbaning of elder statesman, Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, as the Baba Adinni of Yorubaland, at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos. The event was organised by the Council of Islamic Preachers and also featured the installation of Chief Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo as the Iya Adinni of Yorubaland.
Addressing political stakeholders, traditional rulers, and religious leaders at the event, Hamzat stressed the importance of regional cohesion to national stability, particularly as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections. He said the Tinubu administration had established a foundation for development, arguing that retaining the President in office would provide policy continuity and reduce disruptions associated with changes in government.
Hamzat also urged Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying continuity in governance would help sustain the administration's development programmes and policies. He noted that the President's policies aimed to promote peace, tolerance, and unity, and that religious leaders could play a crucial role in fostering stability across communities and the country.
The ceremony, which celebrated the Islamic heritage and traditions of the Southwest, attracted prominent government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and political stakeholders. Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, served as the Chief Host of the event. The installation of Olusi and Tinubu-Ojo formed part of activities marking Olusi's 90th birthday and recognised his longstanding contributions to community development and peaceful coexistence.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr Seyi Bamigbade, described Olusi as deserving of the honour, citing his years of promoting peace across communities and maintaining relationships spanning political circles and government institutions. He noted that Olusi's appointment would help strengthen religious harmony and social cohesion across Yorubaland.
Dr Samuel Mayuwon Ajose commended the Council of Islamic Preachers for selecting Olusi for the traditional Islamic leadership position. Ajose said the appointment of a widely respected elder statesman would help promote peace and stability across the region. The event provided a platform for leaders to emphasise the importance of unity and cooperation in the face of Nigeria's upcoming elections.
The Lagos State government and prominent leaders have continued to throw their support behind President Tinubu's re-election bid. Hamzat's call for unity and support for Tinubu's re-election comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Deputy Governor's remarks underscore the significance of regional cohesion and policy continuity in Nigeria's development trajectory.
Key points
- Hamzat urges religious leaders to promote unity and peaceful coexistence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- The Deputy Governor backs President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election bid, citing the need for policy continuity.
- The event celebrated Olusi's 90th birthday and recognised his contributions to community development and peaceful coexistence.
