Oba Sikiru Adetona

The Awujale of Ijebu Land, Dr Sikiru Adetona, on Monday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to fight corruption to a standstill to safeguard Nigeria from possible collapse.

Adetona, who made the appeal when he received President Buhari at his palace in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun, said the call became imperative in view of the fact that corruption could kill Nigerians if not checked.

He said the people of Ogun had endorsed policies and programmes of President Buhari’s administration.

“I want to assure you that we endorsed everything you have done. I always say if we don’t kill corruption, corruption will kill us.

“So, we don’t want corruption to kill us.

“We call on you to make a good foundation for new Nigeria, where there will be peace and harmony; where there will be no corruption, a new Nigeria where every sector and section will develop,’’ he said.

The Monarch, who offered special prayer for the success of Buhari’s administration, thanked the president for his visit to the state to rejoice with the people on the 40th anniversary of the state.

In his remarks, Buhari thanked the Awujale of Ijebu land for the reception accorded him.

He also commended the Monarch and the people of Ogun for ensuring peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic and religious groups in the state.

President Buhari, who was accompanied to the palace by Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun, was welcomed by eight former governors of the state, 51 traditional rulers and 41 traditional title holders in Ijebu Land.

President Buhari, who travelled by road from Ijebu-Ode to Abeokuta, attended a calisthenics display and cultural performance to mark the 40th anniversary of the state.

The President also attended a dinner hosted in his honour by former president Olusegun Obasanjo