The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Senator Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, has implored the Federal Government to ease the ongoing pains and tension in the country.

He made the call in a statement issued today to commend the judgment of the Supreme Court, extending the legality of old currency notes of 200, 500 and 1 000 till 31 December, 2023.

The Olubadan, in the statement by his Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola, praised the Supreme Court Juedges for standing by the people at this critical moment when living is becoming extremely difficult for ordinary citizens.

It would be recalled that the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), had fixed 10 February as the deadline for the validity of the old naira notes of N1,000, N500 and April 10, for N200 denominations.

Consequent upon these, some state governors of Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara had approached the court to stop the deadline given by the FederalGovernment/ Central BankofNigeria, and for which the court had given two adjournments.

At the first hearing of the case on 8 February, the court ruled against the 10th February deadline which brought a great deal of relief to the people and eased tension in the land.

The CBN however did not comply with the ruling, insisting on upholding the deadline hitherto set.

As a form of palliative, however, the Federal Government later announced the extension of the validity of the old N200 note till April 10th.

But, with the Friday judgment making all the redesigned notes valid till the end of the year, Oba Balogun said “it is a great opportunity for the government to bring succour to the people by releasing more money in circulation.

“The last couple of weeks were too traumatic for the people and it is hoped that the Supreme Court judgment would be a platform to lean on the government to ease the pains in the land.” The statement said.

Oba Balogun recalled the twin problems of hike in fuel pump price and cash crunch occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy and Naira redesign policy almost simultaneously as creating negative impact in economic activities.

The first class traditional ruler noted that the two policies resulted in excruciating pains for the people.

The Olubadan added: “I felt deep pains seeing people queing up at filling stations and banks at the same time.

“All these almost stretched the masses beyond the limit and that is why the Supreme Court judgment was a balm that could sooth the pains.”

The Olubadan disclosed that the judgment by the apex court brought personal relief to him as an individual.

He stressed: “Seeing people in distress without ability to help out makes me weak and unhappy and so, with the judgment, I am elated.

“The Federal Government is advised to as a matter of urgency give effect to the judgment without any delay.”

The Olubadan praised the people for their resilience and perseverance while the trauma lasted.