As Nigerians prepare to celebrate the country’s 66th Independence anniversary, the Olu of Imasayi, Oba Lukman Kuoye, has declared that citizens now have more reasons to celebrate, expressing support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and saying Nigeria is gradually moving towards economic recovery under the current government.

Oba Kuoye stated this on Tuesday at his palace in Imasayi, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, during a press conference to mark his 5th coronation anniversary.

Oba Kuoye hinged his assertion on what he described as a reduction in political tension and gradual improvement in economic activities.

“Before, people would be saying, do we need to celebrate, and what are we celebrating? But now we have a lot to celebrate. The political tension is coming down. Nigeria is getting interesting and we people are really enjoying it”, the monarch declared.

The traditional ruler said the impact of ongoing federal government projects, particularly road reconstruction and rehabilitation, could be seen along major routes linking communities in Ogun State and other parts of the country.

According to him, a trip through Atan, Agbara, Olorule-Meji and Imeko-Afon along the coastal highway would provide evidence of the infrastructure development taking place under the Tinubu administration.

Oba Kuoye, who disclosed that he had been involved in politics under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said he had always admired President Tinubu because of what he described as his political track record and ability to groom other people.

The monarch acknowledged that the economic reforms being implemented by the administration could take time to produce widespread benefits, stressing that there was no magic formula for transforming the country within a short period.

According to him, previous administrations had made efforts to manage the economy, but the present administration was attempting to fundamentally restructure it.

He, however, expressed optimism that the economy would improve significantly in the coming years.

“Nigeria is better than where it was since Asiwaju Bola Tinubu became president. I want you to take a ride through Atan, Agbara, Olorule-Meji and Imeko-Afon on the coastal highway and follow the line to see what is happening there.

“Tinubu is now reconstructing and rehabilitating roads, and he is putting the Nigerian economy on a prosperous path. It might look like something small to us, but he is bringing the Nigerian economy onto the right path”, he said.

He added that, “Since when I was in the Peoples Democratic Party as a politician, I have loved President Bola Tinubu because of his track records. He is a politician. If we have about 10 of him in Nigeria politics, this country would have been better than this because he has been grooming people, and he doesn’t want to know you before he helps you.”

“I want to tell you, yes, it might be too difficult to get there in four years because there is no magic. But to discover that Tinubu is getting it right in Nigeria, I want to tell you that in the next five years things will turn better,” he assured.

He also cited improved electricity supply as one of the developments he said Nigerians could observe, saying there had been no need to use a generator.

“We have been here almost two, three hours. The light is okay. We are not using generator. It is electricity. It is part of it because the megawatts that is generating electricity for us is increasing,” he said.

The traditional ruler also used the occasion to advise Nigerian politicians to avoid desperation for political positions, stressing the importance of accepting that leadership positions are ultimately determined by God.

Recalling his own political experience as a former Vice Chairman of Ado-Odo Local Government, Ogun State, Oba Kuoye said he declined an opportunity to continue in political office after his tenure.

He said he later applied for employment and was eventually appointed by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), arguing that politicians should prepare themselves for life beyond elective or political appointments.

According to him, having an alternative career or source of livelihood would reduce desperation and unhealthy rivalry among political actors.

Oba Kuoye urged politicians to return to their businesses and professions after completing their appointments or elective positions instead of continuously struggling for political office.

He further urged political actors to respect the timing of leadership, saying no individual should believe that attaining political power must be achieved by all means.

“Every politician must have a second address. If you have a second address, you will take it lightly. You will not be fighting, you will not be maligning personalities, you will not be decreasing yourself if you have a second address,” he said.

“Politicians should go back to their business after the appointment or end of their elective positions, not that you apply in the office, you struggle to have another one. You must have a second address,” he advised.

“I want everyone, the political actors, they must know that it is God that ordains. If it is not their turn today, tomorrow it will be their turn,” the monarch added.

Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju, has been installed as Asiwaju Agbaakin by the Towulade of Owu-Akinale, His Royal Majesty Oba Oluseyi Adediran.

The installation ceremony, which attracted dignitaries, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders, was held on Thursday in Owu-Akinale, as the monarch described the new chieftaincy title as a recognition of Olanrewaju’s contributions and commitment to the development of the community.

Olanrewaju, speaking during the installation, assured the Towulade and the people of Owu-Akinale that he would contribute his quota to the development of the community and uphold the qualities that earned him the prestigious title.

He added, “I assure you that I will ensure that I contribute my own quota to the development of Owu-Akinale, and I will continue in whatever those qualities that are in me that warranted them to give me the chieftaincy title, and I’ll improve on it.”

The NUJ chairman expressed gratitude to the Towulade for finding him worthy of the honour, promising to justify the confidence reposed in him by the traditional institution and the people of Owu-Akinale.

Olanrewaju further dedicated the honour to his parents, acknowledging their sacrifices and efforts in shaping his life and career.

He said, “I dedicate this chieftaincy to my parents for their efforts and sacrifices to make me who I am today. I was chosen not because I’m the best, but because I am one out of the best.”

Speaking at the event, the Towulade expressed appreciation to all those who attended the ceremony, assuring the people that he would continue to promote and project the image of Owu-Akinale.

The monarch also stated some of the developmental initiatives and community support projects taking place in Owu-Akinale.

He disclosed that a free medical outreach was organised as part of the activities, with medical experts available to conduct tuberculosis tests and provide free medication with support from the United Nations.

Oba Adediran expressed special appreciation to the Adebayo family, particularly Engr. Oluwole Babatunde Adebayo, the Akogun of Owu-Akinale, for the total rebuilding of the Baptist Church, Owu-Akinale, as well as the Pastorium for the use of the Christian community over the last decade.

He also commended Prince Babajide Adeoye Akinyemi, CEO of Mogbadewa Foundation, for his contribution to the community.

According to the Towulade, “You remodeled and completely renovated our ancient and dilapidated Town Hall, whose foundation was laid on April 7, 1978, into a befitting and modern Palace. We remain eternally grateful. May God meet all your heart desires.”

Speaking on the Owu-Akinale Health Centre, the monarch said the foundation of the facility was laid on the day of his coronation by the Olowu of Owu, adding that the project had now been adopted by Chief and Mrs Yemi Odebiyi, the Asoludero of Owu-Akinale, in memory of their beloved parent.

He disclosed that the health facility would be known as the Aduni Olufunmilayo Makinde Clinic, Owu-Akinale, and would be commissioned in December, by God’s grace.

The Towulade also appreciated the management of Stellar Steel Company for partnering with the Towulade Educational Trust Fund to provide school bags for all pupils of Baptist Primary School, Owu-Akinale.

He further disclosed that the company had taken over the construction of the Police Station in the community, which, according to him, was already 70 per cent completed.

In his remarks, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola, commended the Towulade for his achievements within one year of his reign, describing the ongoing developmental projects as evidence of God’s answer to the monarch’s prayers for the community.

He said, “You will all see that in one year that God chose Towulade of Akinale, we can all see the wonders he has been doing. God has answered his prayers on the development of this community.”

The Olowu also appreciated Prince Babajide Adeoye Akinyemi for his support for the Towulade and the Owu-Akinale community, as well as the management of Stellar Steel Company for its intervention in the construction of the police post.

According to him, “The construction of the police post will also assist in the security of the community.”

Oba Matemilola further praised the Towulade for possessing the spirit of public service and also commended the Olori of Akinale , Chief Mrs Olufolake Adediran for supporting the monarch.

He urged the people of Owu-Akinale to continue to support the Towulade, stressing that the monarch could not develop the community alone without the support of the chiefs, sons and daughters of the community.

He said, “To the community, you have seen the effort of the Kabiyesi, I want to urge you not to leave him. All the sons and daughters of Akinale that you know they can help us develop this community, let them come and see the development that is going on in Akinale. The Kabiyesi cannot do it alone without the support of the chiefs.”

The Olowu expressed optimism that with the continued support of the people, Owu-Akinale would witness significant development in the coming years.

“If you stand firm by him, within two or three years there will be development in the community,” he added.

The Towulade of Owu-Akinale, His Royal Majesty, Oba Oluseyi Adediran, Otileta I, has announced activities to commemorate the first anniversary of his coronation, describing the milestone as a celebration of peace, unity, purposeful leadership, and community development.

Speaking ahead of the week-long celebration, the monarch expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God, the Ogun State Government, traditional rulers, political leaders, and the people of Owu-Akinale for their unwavering support since his ascension to the throne one year ago.

Oba Adediran particularly acknowledged the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Executive Chairman of Ewekoro Local Government, and eminent royal fathers, including the Olu of Ilaro, Paramount Ruler of Yewa land and Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, His Royal Majesty Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, HRM Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, and the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola, for their invaluable contributions to the stability and progress of the kingdom.

The monarch also paid glowing tribute to former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, and former Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun, CON, for their fatherly guidance and support.

A major highlight of the anniversary celebration will be the special recognition of the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), CFR, CON, whom the monarch described as a mentor, benefactor, and source of inspiration for nearly three decades.

According to the Towulade, General Marwa’s influence has been instrumental in shaping his leadership journey, noting that the NDLEA Chairman’s counsel, encouragement, and belief in his potential over the years have become a remarkable testament to destiny fulfilled.

Oba Adediran said General Marwa’s exemplary public service, patriotism, discipline, and commitment to nation-building continue to inspire generations of Nigerians, adding that his relentless war against drug abuse has helped safeguard countless families and strengthened national development.

The monarch urged Nigerians to continue supporting the NDLEA under General Marwa’s leadership and to rally behind the Federal Government’s efforts to eradicate substance abuse, stressing that drug abuse remains one of the greatest threats to national growth, security, and the future of the nation’s youth.

Reaffirming his commitment to the progress of Owu-Akinale, Oba Adediran said his administration would continue to pursue policies and partnerships aimed at transforming the community into a peaceful, prosperous, and industrially viable town with improved infrastructure, quality healthcare, enhanced education, and better security.

As part of the anniversary, the monarch will also unveil and commission several community development projects executed through partnerships with distinguished sons, daughters, and corporate organisations.

These include the renovation of the ancient Town Hall into a modern palace, the ongoing construction of the Aduni Olufunmilayo Makinde Clinic, the rebuilding of the Baptist Church and Pastorium, and the construction of a Police Station being undertaken by Stellar Steel Company.

The first coronation anniversary activities will hold from Wednesday, July 22, to Saturday, July 25, 2026, featuring a press conference, inter-religious service, women’s programme, football competition, medical outreach, project commissioning, chieftaincy installations, traditional cultural displays, and a grand finale.

The Towulade called on all sons and daughters of Owu-Akinale, friends of the community, and well-wishers to join in celebrating the achievements recorded within the first year of his reign while renewing their collective commitment to building a more united, peaceful, and prosperous Owu-Akinale.