Jonathan visits Akran of Badagry
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday paid a private visit to the Akran of Badagry, DeWheno Aholu Menutoyi.
Jonathan, who arrived at the palace of the traditional ruler in Badagry, Lagos State around 10.30am was received by the monarch and his chiefs-in-council.
The president Saturday visited the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; the Ooni of Ile Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade and the Oba of Lagos, Alhaji Rilwan Akiolu for private talks.
It was reported that the president is going round to notify the royal fathers of his intention to run for re-election in next year’s general election, a report denied by presidential aides.
While welcoming the president to the palace, the chiefs-in-council prayed for him and his administration as well as for the peace of the country.
The royal father and Jonathan later went for a private discussion for about 40 minutes in the inner chambers of the palace.
But before they went for the private discussion, Jonathan commended the traditional ruler and the people of Badagry for maintaining peace in the area. According to him, there is peace there because of good leadership.
The president, who also thanked the monarch and his subjects for supporting his administration, assured that the Federal Government would do its best to return and preserve the glorious days of Badagry.
Earlier in his remarks, the royal father said Jonathan’s visit, though private, was special to him and his subjects.
He assured president of his support and that of his subjects to the Federal Government.
He charged the Federal and the Lagos State Governments to collaborate on how to make Badagry a religious tourist centre, saying that was the first place where Christianity was preached in the country.