By Gbenga Olarinoye, Osogbo

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, yesterday, led other Yoruba traditional rulers to endorse President Goodluck Jonathan for second term in office.

Jonathan was at the palaces of the Ooni and Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, as part of his efforts to mobilise for the support of traditional rulers in Osun State for his re-election.

Sijuade charged the president to correct all the perceived imbalances against the Yoruba when re-elected.

The Ooni said Jonathan must not fail and directed monarchs present to encircle him and pray for his success at the polls.

Earlier in their separate remarks, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, the Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adeniran and Oluresi of Iresi, Oba Sikiru Adeseun, demanded the creation of Oodua State with headquarters in Ile Ife and completion of several ongoing projects being funded by the Federal Government.

In his response, Jonathan assured South West of recognition, if re-elected.

The president said his administration, through different programmes, was able to increase food production through his transformation agenda in the agriculture sector.

Before now, he said over N3 trillion naira was being spent on food importation annually, adding that through various initiatives, the government had reduced the food import bill to N600 billion.