Sanusi’s 58th Birthday Turns Tinubu Day As Thousands Gather At Ilaji, Back APC

Thousands of people gathered at Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Akanran, Ibadan, on Saturday to celebrate the 58th birthday of Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, the Okanlomo Oodua, in an event that doubled as a political rally in support of President Bola Tinubu, Senator Sharafadeen Alli and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in Oyo State.

The gathering, tagged Tinubu Day, attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, traders, artisans, labour unions, religious groups and supporters of various political associations.

Addressing the crowd, Sanusi urged residents of Oyo State to support Tinubu, Alli and other APC candidates, saying voters should elect leaders who would honour their promises and remain accountable to the people.

He accused the governor he supported during the 2023 governorship election of betraying their trust, warning against repeating the experience at the national level.

“Someone who failed in Oyo State now wants to reset Nigeria. We have seen what happened here, and we do not want a repeat of that experience at the national level,” he said.

Sanusi added that he was confident APC candidates would not betray the people, urging residents to support them at the polls.

He described the gathering as more than a birthday celebration, saying it reflected political consciousness and provided an avenue for engagement and mobilisation ahead of future elections.

Comparing the turnout with what he described as the mere gathering of people at a tennis court, Sanusi said the number and diversity of attendees underscored the significance of the event.

He also expressed confidence that Tinubu would improve on his performance in Oyo State in the 2023 presidential election, when he said the President secured about 60 per cent of the votes cast.

“In the last election, President Tinubu got 60 per cent of the votes in Oyo State. This time, we are going to give him over 80 per cent,” he said.

Sanusi argued that Tinubu deserved another term to complete his programmes and reforms, adding that the President had performed well during his first term.

“He has done well in his first term and deserves to finish the good works he has started in Nigeria,” he said.

The businessman also endorsed Alli, describing the senator as experienced, tested and a man of integrity whose record was known to the people.

“Senator Sharafadeen Alli is someone whose antecedents we know. He is experienced, tested and has proven himself to be a man of integrity. We know the kind of person he is, and we believe he will not betray the confidence of the people,” Sanusi said.

He urged voters to use their ballots to reject leaders who failed to meet expectations, declaring that political power rested with the electorate.

“Let us sweep away betrayers and failures from Oyo State with our votes. The power belongs to the people, and they must use it wisely,” he said.

The gathering came amid reports that commercial drivers had been directed not to convey people to the venue. Attendees reportedly made alternative transport arrangements and hired vehicles to reach Ilaji.

Those present included Senator Alli, Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Ogunesan, Senator Hosea Agboola, Hon. Akin Alabi, Chief Mutalubi Ojo, Mogaji Abass Oloko, Hon. Bosun Oladele, Asiwaju Mutiu Oladejo, Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe, Hon. Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, Chief Shina Alabi and Tunji Olanipekun.

Traditional rulers, community representatives, traders, artisans, religious organisations, labour groups and political associations also attended the event, which combined Sanusi’s birthday celebration with calls for support for Tinubu, Alli and other APC candidates.