2015: Jonathan visits another South West monarch

In what appeared another move aimed at pushing further his 2015 presidential ambition, President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday paid a visit to the Akran of Badagry, De-Wheno Aholu Menutoyi, another prominent monarch in the South West.
The President arrived at the palace of the monarch in Badagry, Lagos State at about 10.35am and was received by the Akran and the Chiefs in Council.
Welcoming Jonathan to the palace, the Chiefs in Council poured libation, using water, alligator pepper and wine.
They also offered prayers for Jonathan, his administration and for the peace of the nation.
After the welcome ceremony, the Akran and the President retired to an inner room in the palace where they held private discussions for about 35 minutes.
After the closed doors meeting, the Akran said that the visit, though private, was special to him and the entire Badagry people.
He told the President that Badagry was the first place in the country where Christianity was preached.
The monarch requested the Federal and the Lagos State Governments to work together and make the town a religious tourist centre.
He assured Jonathan of his support and the Badagry people to the Federal Government.
The President thanked the monarch and the people for the peace in the land, which he said was brought about by good leadership.
He also assured the people of the town that the government would do its best to return and preserve the glorious day of Badagry.
Jonathan said: “I want to thank you all for the support you have given to the government and for the peace in Badagry.
“We do not get disturbing stories from Badagry and this is not brought about by chance but his Majesty, his cabinet and all senior Badagry people.
“Also, for the PDP members who have come out to receive us, we thank you most sincerely.
“I want to thank you for this warm reception and assure you that the glorious days of Badagry will be returned.”
It would be recalled that the President had on Friday paid similar visits to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; and the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu.