Tinubu Finds Support Amidst Hunger Protests: Yoruba Rulers, Elders Stand United, Olowu of Iwo Addresses Northern Leaders’ Reactions

In the face of mounting nationwide hunger protests triggered by economic hardships, Yoruba leaders, including traditional rulers and elders, rally around President Bola Tinubu. The discontent initially surfaced in Lagos last month and has since spread to various cities, with residents expressing frustration over the devastating effects of government economic policies.

Northern traditional rulers and leaders, notably the Sultan of Sokoto and Emir of Kano, have voiced concerns about the economic hardship, with veiled threats directed at the Federal Government. The Sultan highlighted the nation’s precarious state, emphasizing the urgency of addressing people’s anger and hunger.

However, not all voices from the North resonate with the leaders’ sentiments. Professor Usman Yusuf questioned the silence of the people in the North, contrasting it with the protests in other regions. An Igbo man, responding in a viral video, challenged the North’s stance and urged a focus on solutions rather than threats.

While Ohanaeze Ndigbo directs groups in the Southeast not to join protests, there is a growing call for tangible solutions. Yoruba leaders from the Southwest suggest measures, including opening borders for food importation and encouraging Northern youth to embrace agriculture.

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdur-rosheed Akanbi, suggests that President Tinubu should open borders for food importation, fostering competition to combat economic sabotage. Other Yoruba leaders stress the need for coordinated government efforts and vigilance against saboteurs.

Amidst the calls for action, concerns about the high cost of living persist. Traditional rulers emphasize the critical role of quality and price control, while former Ambassador Yemi Farounbi points out the importance of states mobilizing citizens for local food production.

In addressing the economic crisis, Oba Sunday Amuseghan, the Kalasuwe of Apoi land, urges President Tinubu to act swiftly, ensuring palliatives reach the grassroots and introducing price controls. Various traditional rulers emphasize the need for subsidizing consumable goods and supporting displaced farmers.