President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday reaffirmed the vital role of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s development, calling for their greater involvement in implementing policies that directly affect citizens.

The President spoke when he received the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Abdulhakeem Owoade I, his wife, Abiwumi, and a delegation of other traditional rulers from Oyo State at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

President Tinubu congratulated the Alaafin for his ascendancy to the historic throne, assuring the royal father of his prayers and support.

The President noted that the “hurdles, processes, and anxiety” along the way were part of the preparation for the position.

President Tinubu commended the traditional council for the ease in nominating and crowning the 46th Alaafin following Oba Lamidi Adeyemi’s passing on April 22, 2022.

The President said his administration will continue working with traditional institutions to implement policies to protect and prosper citizens.

President Tinubu told the king that the sons of the Oyo kingdom serving in his office have done exceptionally well, including Ambassador Victor Adeleke, State Chief of Protocol, and Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, the Aide-de-Camp.

Yusuf is the king designate of Ilemonaland in Oyun local council, Kwara State, which traces its ancestry to the Oyo kingdom.

In his remarks, Alaafin assured the President of the traditional council’s support in delivering his mandate to the people.

The monarch said Nigerians look up to the President for a new direction.

The king commended the President for bold economic reforms, infrastructural development, instituting social welfare, youth empowerment, and improvement in security and investments in agriculture.