Mr. President Meets Monarch: Tinubu Says He Considered Calling Canadian PM Over Alaafin’s Whereabouts!”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that he nearly contacted former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to help trace the whereabouts of the Alaafin of Oyo-designate, who had returned to Canada before his official coronation.

Tinubu made this remark on Friday while receiving the newly installed 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Recalling the period before the coronation, the President said he grew concerned when Prince Owoade, who is based in Canada, traveled back to the country ahead of the traditional rites, prompting him to consider reaching out to the Canadian Prime Minister.

“You created some anxiety after your nomination was announced and you returned to Canada,” Tinubu said. “I almost called the Canadian President—well, Prime Minister. Truly, I considered calling him. We had been together in Brazil when he mentioned he wasn’t seeking re-election.”

“I was ready to ask if he could help me find my Alaafin, but I was later reassured that you had gone back to sign some documents,” the President added.

Tinubu praised the monarch for his discipline, strong character, and for upholding Yoruba culture while in Canada.

“I’m proud of how you represented our people—as a dedicated engineer and a symbol of integrity. It’s a great thing that you’ve returned, been crowned, and chose to visit me first. I deeply appreciate that,” Tinubu said.

He further stressed that preserving culture, promoting peace, and maintaining national stability require inclusive leadership, noting that governing a diverse nation like Nigeria is not a task one can carry out alone.