Oba (Dr) Babatunde Ogunlaja, Aladeshoyin and paramount ruler of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, in Eredo Local Council Development Area, Lagos state, has urged Nigerian youths to halt opposing government in power.
Ogunlaja made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Noforija, on Wednesday.
Alayeluwa Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Ogunlaja jp.fmbe.hons, Aladeshoyin and paramount ruler of Odo Noforija Kingdom, the Vice Chairman Epe Divisional Chieftancy Committee, The present Chairman Welfare Committee Lagos State council of Oba’s and Chiefs also the President General HRM Heritage Forum (1st Largest Forum of Traditional Rulers).
He said that opposing the government in power would not take us anywhere as a citizens, “What has it profit us for opposing the government in power all the time? It rettered the progress of the nation.
According to him, opposing the government in power is a form of distraction which may led to failed governance.
“Instead of opposing the government in power, show support and contribute your individual quotas to the progress and development of a nation.
“Stop opposing government in power preferably, help the government to be successful through empowerment and skill acquisition programs and others,” he said.
He recalled in the recent past before emerging as traditional ruler and was active in politics then, Late Michael Otedola, former governor of Lagos state advised him to desist from opposing government in power.
He advised him that, instead of opposing government in power, It would be better for you to contribute your quota, look beyond and see what you can do to support the government.
“Ever since then, I have stop opposing the government in power, rather I contribute my own resources to ensure the success of the government in power.
“My advise to Nigerian youths is to stop opposing government in power but look inward and see what you can do to support the government to have a favourable and sustainable economy growth.
“This present generation are fond of requesting for everything from the government which is discouraging.
“Stop complaining about government all the time, think of what you can do to also support the government and stop the habit of requesting for everything from government,” he opined.
The traditional ruler added that for a nation to be successful, it requires a collective efforts, support and all inclusiveness.
Ogunlaja said that Nigerians have the rights to criticise government but it must be constructive, reasonable, formative and devoid of violence.
“The government should not have a problem with constructive critism. Formative critism is a form of challenging the government to do more.
“My advice to the Nigerian youth is that, as a youth and citizens of a country you have right to criticise when things are not going well in the country but your criticism should be devoid of violence and attack”.
The traditional ruler said that the government cannot do it alone, It requires the support of the citizens and the government should be open to public, private partnership to grow the economy.
Source:NAN
 Babatunde Ogunlaja, Aladeshoyin and paramount ruler of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, in Eredo Local Council Development Area, Lagos state, has urged Nigerian youths to halt opposing government in power.){kind=link}