Oyo Alaafin Forum Praises Tinubu’s Reforms, Seeks Ministerial Slot for Oyo Town

The Oyo Alaafin Forum has praised Bola Tinubu for what it described as bold and far-reaching reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s economy, while urging that the next ministerial nominee from Oyo State be selected from Oyo Town and its surrounding communities.

In a statement issued by its Chairman, Segun Owolabi, the group commended the President’s economic policies, including fiscal reforms, exchange rate unification, and subsidy rationalisation. It noted that these measures are beginning to stabilise the economy, boost investor confidence, and restore national optimism.

The forum also applauded the President’s directive requiring political office holders with declared ambitions to step down, describing it as a strong commitment to democratic principles and good governance.

It further acknowledged the resignation of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who represented Oyo State in the Federal Executive Council, expressing confidence that a replacement would soon be appointed in line with constitutional provisions.

However, the group called on the President to use the opportunity to address what it described as a long-standing imbalance in ministerial appointments from the state by selecting a nominee from Oyo Town and nearby areas.

According to the forum, Oyo Town has not produced a minister in over two decades, despite repeated appointments from other zones such as Ibadan, Ogbomosho, and Saki under successive administrations.

It maintained that appointing a qualified indigene of Oyo Town would promote fairness, equity, and inclusive governance, while strengthening public trust in the Federal Government.

The forum expressed optimism that the President would consider its appeal in the interest of justice and national unity.