President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stirred reactions with a heartfelt and somewhat humorous request made to Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, during a high-profile visit to the state.
During a grand reception held in his honour, President Tinubu requested a parcel of land in Anambra to construct his retirement home, a statement that quickly sparked both admiration and amusement from the crowd.
The occasion marked the president’s commissioning of multiple infrastructural projects across the state, projects described as transformative legacies for Anambra. As part of the day's celebrations, Tinubu was also conferred with a prestigious traditional chieftaincy title.
Speaking during the event, President Tinubu highlighted his deep personal connections to Anambra State, stating, “Many of my friends are from Anambra State, and I have seen many of them today.”
He further endeared himself to the people by declaring, “Going forward, we are not just friends. I am now a bona-fide son of the soil – one of you, your own son,” a remark that drew loud applause and cheers from the crowd gathered at the venue.
Continuing on a lighter note, he appealed to Governor Soludo, saying, “Maybe my friend and your governor, Charles Soludo, should find me a plot of land for my retirement home after service.” With a touch of humor, he added, “You don’t have to move me from the Villa for only one week. Give me a permanent abode.”
The president was earlier honoured with the traditional title “Dike si Mba” by the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council during the reception at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka.
The title “Dike si Mba,” which translates to “Warrior from the Diaspora,” was formally presented by the chairman of the traditional council and ruler of Obosi, Chidubem Iweka, who emphasized that the recognition was a collective gesture from the 179 communities in Anambra State.
“This is a title from all the royal fathers in the 179 communities of Anambra State,” Iweka declared, underscoring the significance of the honour.
In his acceptance speech, Tinubu recalled a previous chieftaincy honour received from a traditional ruler in Anambra back in 2005. He expressed his deep gratitude for being honoured once again by the state’s revered royal fathers.
“To have all the traditional rulers of Anambra confer another title on me is not only historic but one which I will greatly treasure for the rest of my life,” the president stated, closing on a sentimental and unify
ing note.