Why I Invoked Spirit of “Emi Lokan”: Tinubu Opens Up

President Bola Tinubu has revealed the source of his inspiration for one of his popular slogans during his presidential campaign in 2023. The slogan, ‘Emi Lokan’, which means ‘It’s my turn’ in Yoruba, was used by Tinubu and his supporters to express their determination and confidence in winning the election.

Tinubu said he got the slogan from the Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, whom he visited at his palace in Ijebu-Ode on Thursday, June 29, 2023.

He said he invoked the spirit of freedom and courage from the Awujale, who is known for his bluntness and outspokenness. He said the Awujale passed the spirit to him and his followers, who faced many challenges during the electioneering period.

He said: “I invoked the spirit of Emi Lokan from Baba (The Awujale of Ijebuland). That’s the spirit of freedom and that’s who we are as a people. You have an uncommon courage and you passed it to us.”

Tinubu also recalled how the Central Bank of Nigeria’s cash swap policy made it difficult for him and his supporters to access money during the campaign. He said he had to use another slogan, ‘ama dibo ama wole’, which means ‘we will vote and we will win’, even if there was no money1.

He said: “Your monies were confiscated. The cash swap didn’t work. It was terrible then. I realised that and I came to Ogun State to invoke the spirit of freedom for which we are noted for. And the second spirit is that of money (Naira scarcity), ‘ama dibo ama wole’ (we will vote and we will win) even if there is no money. And that, ever since, has been the spirit that is driving me to serve.”

Tinubu thanked the Awujale and other traditional rulers and chiefs in Ogun State for their support and loyalty during his campaign. He said he owed so much to them and appreciated their role in his victory.

He said: “It is a homecoming and I owe so much to all of you and there is so much to thank you for. Because of the way you have taken me and the way you’ve responded to me, all I can say is thank you. To many of you, thank you for being there for me and being there for the country. You demonstrated so much loyalty, so much commitment and voted at a very crucial time.”

Tinubu was warmly received by the Awujale and other traditional rulers and chiefs in Ogun State. He was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, Dele Alake.

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