President Bola Tinubu has told the people of Ogun State how he invoked the spirits of freedom and determination, symbolized by the phrase “Emi lokan.”

President Tinubu said this during his visit to Ogun State on Thursday June 29, 2023.

He made a special stop at the esteemed Palace of the Awujale of Ijebu Land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

According to the president, the slogan was invoked to overcome the obstacles encountered during the election.

During his visit to the Awujale’s Palace, Tinubu recalled the significance of his visits to Ogun State in the lead-up to the February 25, 2023 election.

He highlighted how he drew upon the spirits of freedom and determination in Ogun State when he encountered challenges prior to the election.

The president acknowledged that despite the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) ineffective cashless policy implementation before the election, he remained hopeful and optimistic about achieving victory.

Reflecting on the hurdles faced in the buildup to the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu recounted his concerns regarding fund confiscation and the failure of the cashless policy.

He shared how he sought wisdom and guidance from Oba Adetona during his previous visit to the palace.

According to President Tinubu, he invoked the spirits of freedom and determination, symbolized by the phrase “Emi lokan,” to overcome the obstacles encountered during the election.

“Our funds were seized. The cashless policy was disastrous back then. That’s when I realized the importance of coming to Ogun State to tap into the spirit of freedom that we are renowned for.

“I invoked that spirit twice. The spirit of Baba Emilokan. That’s who he is—blunt and resolute. He will tell you. The second spirit was the determination to proceed with the election, regardless of funds,” he explained.

Governor Dapo Abiodun warmly received President Tinubu, who arrived at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode aboard a Nigeria Air Force helicopter.

Speaking at the palace, the state Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said, “We gladly received our leader and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu – GCFR, who paid a special appreciation visit to the Paramount Ruler and Awujale of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty, Oba. (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona – CFR in his Palace.

“Being the President’s first official visit to any state upon assumption of office, we expressed our gratitude to our dear leader for such an iconic and historic honour.”

Accompanying him were his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, Dele Alake; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

President Tinubu proceeded to inspect a military guard of honor assembled for him at the stadium before heading to the private residence of the Awujale.

He participated in the Sallah celebration in Lagos on Wednesday, following his return from London, United Kingdom, on Tuesday evening.

Earlier, he had attended the New Global Financial Pact summit at the Palais Brongniart in Paris, France, alongside world leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron.

After the two-day summit, the President traveled to London, United Kingdom, for a brief private visit, as announced by his spokesperson, Dele Alake, in a statement last Saturday. The statement also indicated that President Tinubu would return to Nigeria for the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.