President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disclosed that throughout his campaign, he was inspired by the spirit of ‘Emi Lokan,’ a Yoruba expression that means ‘It’s my turn,’ which he summoned from Ijebuland’s Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
According to sources, Tinubu set the social media on fire on June 3, 2023, when he aired his fury during a presidential campaign in Abeokuta, saying it was through his efforts that the ex-President, Muhammadu Buhari, made it to Aso Rock despite failing three times.
During the event, he uttered his now-famous phrase, “emilokan” (It’s my turn).
“This is my moment. I’m well-educated. I have prior experience. I’ve spent a long time serving others. ”Bring me the president; it is my turn,” Tinubu had said.
Tinubu made the remarks while speaking to APC delegates in Ogun State.
His outburst elicited conflicting reactions from Nigerians, with many party stalwarts, including National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, claiming the remarks were intended to belittle the president and Ogun State governor.
Tinubu stated this during the President’s Thursday visit to the Awujale’s palace in Ijebu-Ode.
Tinubu, on the other hand, recalled how the contentious statement became a recurring theme for him and his supporters during his campaign.
He also discussed the difficulties caused by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s cash swap program during the election time.
He remarked that these difficulties drove him to evoke the spirit of liberty, particularly in the state of South West.
“I invoked the spirit of freedom in Ogun,” the president stated during a speech at the palace of Awujale and Ijebuland’s paramount ruler, Oba Sikiru Adetona, in Ijebu Ode.
“It is a homecoming, and I owe so much to all of you, and there is so much to thank you for,” he added. All I can say is thank you for how you’ve treated me and how you’ve replied to me.
“Thank you to many of you for being there for me and the country.” You voted at a critical time, demonstrating your dedication and commitment.
“Your funds have been seized. The cash exchange did not work. It was dreadful back then. I realized this and came to Ogun State to instill the spirit of liberty for which we are known.
“I called on that ghost twice. Baba’s spirit (relating to Awujale). Baba’s spirit – Emi l’okan (it’s my turn), that’s Baba. That is the spirit of being direct.
“The second spirit is one of money (Naira scarcity), ‘ama dibo ama wole’ (we will vote and win) even if there is no money.” And it has been the spirit that has driven me to serve ever since.”
Mismob Media