The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to tackle Nigeria’s crippling insecurity, describing the problem as “surmountable”. With banditry, kidnapping and ethno-religious violence ravaging various parts of the country, the monarch’s optimism offers a glimmer of hope for a better future.
The traditional ruler’s expression of confidence in the President’s security agenda comes after a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday, 23, January, 2026, where he acknowledged Tinubu’s efforts to address the nation’s security challenges.
According to Olubadan Ladoja, insecurity remains the greatest challenge facing the country, particularly for farmers and rural dwellers, who are increasingly becoming apprehensive about going about their daily businesses. “The major problem that we really have now is insecurity. Farmers find it difficult to go to their farms. The issue of insecurity is also spreading to the South”, he said.
However, Olubadan Ladoja is optimistic that President Tinubu is tackling the issue, citing the President’s track record in transforming Lagos State as evidence of his ability to deliver results. “If you know from where he (Tinubu) is coming, you will know that he knows what he is doing. He was able to get Lagos from where it was to where he left it”, Olubadan said.
The Olubadan’s visit to the Villa was primarily to express appreciation to President Tinubu for his support since his coronation in September 2025. He praised Tinubu’s leadership style, predicting that the President would replicate his success in Lagos at the national level. “We hope that when he leaves in 2031, he will have made Nigeria a place we can all be proud of”, he said.
While acknowledging the complexities of governing Nigeria, Olubadan Ladoja expressed confidence that the economic situation was being addressed, saying, “Nigeria is more complex than a state because we don’t all want the same thing”. He noted that states now have more money than they did when he was Governor and are better able to meet their commitments.
President Tinubu’s administration has taken several measures to address Nigeria’s security challenges, including appointing a retired Army General, Christopher Musa, as the Defence Minister, establishing a Regional Counter-Terrorism Centre, recruiting 50,000 police personnel, deploying trained forest guards, and supporting other policing initiatives by state governments.
While these efforts have shown some progress, insecurity persists, and Amnesty International has criticised the government’s response, citing human rights violations and inadequate measures.
Some say these measures are a step in the right direction, while others say they are inadequate. For instance, the recruitment of police personnel and deployment of forest guards aim to boost security presence, but concerns about their training, equipment and welfare remain.
Regarding decentralising security forces, it has both potential benefits and risks. Benefits include allowing states to tailor security strategies to local needs and enhancing community engagement. However, risks include potential fragmentation, inadequate resources and possible misuse of power.
The Olubadan Ladoja’s endorsement of President Tinubu’s security efforts is a significant boost to the administration’s efforts to tackle the country’s security challenges. It serves as a reminder that leadership and vision can make a difference. The road ahead is long and arduous, but with sustained efforts and collective commitment, Nigerians can look forward to a brighter, more secure future. The Olubadan’s faith in President Tinubu’s leadership is a call to action for all stakeholders to work towards a safer, more prosperous Nigeria.
Tunji Oladejo, mnipr, JP, writes from the University of Ibadan and is the Chairman of The Progressive Forum, Ibadan (TPFI), via oladejo65@gmail.com.
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