President Bola Tinubu has stated he invoked the spirit of wisdom, freedom and determination symbolised by the ‘Emilokan’ philosophy to win the February 25 presidential contest.
He said the spirit saw him through despite the hardship that followed the poorly executed cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN).
Recalling the challenges faced by Nigerians in the build-up to the presidential election, Tinubu said the confiscation of funds and failure of the cashless policy made him seek wisdom and guidance from monarchs like Awujale of Ijebuland Oba Sikiru Adetona during his visit to the palace.
The President said he invoked the spirits of wisdom and determination, symbolised by “Baba Emilokan,” to overcome the obstacles in the election.
“Our monies were confiscated. The cashless policy didn’t work, it was terrible then. I realised that I came to this palace to invoke the spirit of freedom which we are noted for.
“I invoked that spirit twice. The spirit of Baba Emilokan. That’s Baba. Being blunt, being decisive, that’s him, he will tell you. The second spirit is that money or no money (we will do the election and we will win),” he said.
President Tinubu acknowledged that these spirits had been the driving force behind his service and expressed his gratitude to Oba Adetona, all the Obas and elected officials, particularly his ‘personal friend’, Senator Gbenga Daniel representing Ogun East.
He thanked them for their loyalty and commitment during those crucial times in the 2023 election.
The President, who described his visit to Ijebu-Ode as a homecoming, told Kabiyesi:
“The way you have taken me, the way you have responded to me, all I can say is thank you. May you live long and may you witness a prosperous Nigeria.”
He also acknowledged the presence of Chief Mike Adenuga, the billionaire businessman and expressed pride in his contributions to the economy.
