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Traditional rulers from across Nigeria’s South-West region have rejected calls for the reintroduction of fuel subsidy, warning that such a move would not serve the country’s long-term economic interests.

The monarchs also endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The resolutions were reached on Wednesday at a meeting of the South-West Council of Obas and Traditional Rulers held at the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

In a communiqué read by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the traditional rulers said restoring fuel subsidy would undermine national economic development and fiscal sustainability.

The council also reaffirmed its support for Tinubu and his administration, acknowledging the Federal Government’s efforts to address the country’s challenges and advance its development agenda.

The monarchs called on traditional rulers across the region to continue mobilising their subjects to support government policies and programmes aimed at promoting economic growth, national stability and social development.

On the 2027 presidential election, they advocated the continuation of the rotational presidency arrangement, insisting that the presidency should remain in Southern Nigeria in the next electoral cycle.

They said sustaining the arrangement would promote fairness, equity, mutual trust among the country’s federating units and national unity.

The traditional rulers also expressed support for the proposed establishment of state police, describing it as a strategic measure to strengthen internal security.

They urged monarchs across the region to sensitise young people to prepare for employment and service opportunities that could emerge from the initiative.

The council further condemned electoral violence, intimidation, vote-buying and other forms of malpractice, calling on political actors and citizens to work towards peaceful, free and credible elections.

The meeting was attended by prominent traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye; and other monarchs from across the six South-West states.