2027: Ibadan Archbishop Labels One-Term Promise By Politicians As ‘Scam’, Alleges Desperation Treat
2027: Ibadan Archbishop Labels One-Term Promise By Politicians As ‘Scam’, Alleges Desperation
Treat
The late monarch, a retired Major in the Nigerian Army and the 43rd Olubadan passed away on July 7.
At the funeral service of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, held on Friday at St Peter’s Cathedral Church, the Archbishop of Ibadan Province and Bishop of Ibadan North Diocese, Most Rev’d Williams Aladekugbe, has strongly condemned what he described as a deceptive trend among politicians ahead of the 2027 elections — the promise to serve only a single term in office.
The late monarch, a retired Major in the Nigerian Army and the 43rd Olubadan passed away on July 7.
He was laid to rest amid military honours and widespread tributes from dignitaries including Governor Seyi Makinde, representatives of the Chief of Army Staff, former Deputy Governor, Ahmed Gbadamosi, Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; former Minister of Steel and Power, Wole Oyelese; Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (South), among other dignitaries.
In his sermon, Archbishop Aladekugbe used the occasion not only to eulogise the late king but also to issue a sharp rebuke to Nigeria’s political class.
Reflecting on 2 Corinthians 5:10, he warned of the dangers of living without accountability and urged public office holders to govern with conscience.
He did not hold back in criticising aspirants who are campaigning on the promise of serving just one term, declaring flatly that, “Any politician bargaining for only one single term is showing desperation — and it will not work in Nigeria.”
Calling such pledges a “scam”, the Archbishop said they are driven by selfish ambition rather than genuine intent to serve. According to him, these promises are often tools of manipulation aimed at gaining voter trust, only to be discarded once power is secured.
“It is also desperation when leaders are seen carrying plates and serving food at parties. All of these will never work,” he added, suggesting that such performative gestures are hollow attempts to connect with the people while real governance fails.
He further slammed politicians who are already focused on the 2027 elections while Nigerians continue to grapple with deepening economic woes.
“To talk about 2027 now is a disgrace to governance. It’s an abuse of the people’s mandate and a reckless disregard for the concerns of the people,” Aladekugbe stated, expressing his frustration at the prevailing disconnect between those in power and the suffering masses.
He criticised the government’s claims of economic stability amid rising prices, increased telecom tariffs, and worsening poverty, noting that such developments betray a lack of empathy and strategic leadership.
Turning to the life of the late monarch, Archbishop Aladekugbe described Oba Olakulehin as “a leader of grace with a heart full of compassion.” He praised the late Olubadan for presiding over a peaceful and transformative reign in Ibadanland.
“During his reign, Ibadanland enjoyed peaceful coexistence, unprecedented development, and transformation of its traditional institutions,” he noted, urging public servants to emulate the late king’s legacy of integrity and compassion.
The funeral service was marked by solemnity, spiritual reflection, and celebration of a life of public service — but also by a pointed critique of Nigeria’s current political trajectory, delivered by one of the city’s most prominent clerics.
His comments come amid an infamous promise by the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, that he would spend only one term of elected as Nigeria’s President in 2027.
Obi had insisted that it was possible to make such promises and abide by it.
His comments had however triggered mixed reactions across stakeholders and political commentators in the country.
