Tinubu, Abiodun, Amosun, others hail Awujale at 90

Stephen Angbulu and Gbenga Oloniniran

President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, celebrated the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, on the special occasion of his 90th birthday.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu poured encomiums on Oba Adetona, describing him as “a dependable ally.”

The statement was titled ‘President Tinubu celebrates Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona at 90.’

Ngelale said Tinubu expressed joy that Kabiyesi had attained this milestone age, yet continued to discharge his duties as the ruler of the entire Ijebuland without let.

He affirmed that Oba Adetona was not just another traditional ruler in Yorubaland and Nigeria but a “preeminent royal father who has brought honour, integrity, dignity, courage, and impeccable strength of character to the throne over the last 60 years.”

The President said, “I have always enjoyed the trust, friendship, and confidence of Kabiyesi Awujale Ogbagba ll in the course of my political journey, through the struggles of our fight for the return of democratic governance in our country and beyond my tenure as Governor of Lagos State.

“Throughout these epochs in my political odyssey, Oba Adetona has remained a pillar of strength and support.

“In matters of fighting for justice, fairness, equity, and a more just society where every part of our country can progress and our people live peacefully and in harmony with each other, Kabiyesi has been a dependable ally.”

Extolling the inimitable contributions of the revered monarch to nation-building, President Tinubu emphasised that Kabiyesi fought for and invested in democracy and good governance, and went as far as endowing a chair in that discipline at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, in Ogun State, where he built a School of Post-Graduate and Research Studies in Governance.

As Kabiyesi, who has lived and served well, joins the prestigious club of nonagenarians, the President wished him more years in good health on the throne of his forebears.

Other eminent personalities have also greeted Awujale on the occasion of his birthday and 64 years on the throne.

The Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, in a statement on Thursday, described the king as a patriotic leader, saying “you have consistently provided wise counsel and unwavering support for our nation’s development, guiding leaders at both the national and sub-national levels.”

Former Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, also expressed wishes to the monarch. He said, “As a highly respected royal father, your momentous life and remarkable reign have continued to inspire all of us in Ogun State. We join the royal family, all sons and daughters of Ijebuland and your numerous admirers in celebrating and congratulating you as you join the elite club of nonagenarians.”

The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Gbadebo also said the Egba Nation “celebrates a veteran monarch at his nonagenarian age as he also celebrates the 64th anniversary of his reign in Ijebu Kingdom.”

A businessman, Kensington Adebutu, also saluted the king “on these glorious achievements of your 90th birthday anniversary and 64 meritorious years on the throne.”

Former militant leader in the Niger Delta, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, said “We will continue to honour” the king’s service to humanity and commitment to duty.

In a statement, Ekpemupolo said, “As he joins the prestigious club of nonagenarians, we can only wish him more health in good health on the throne of his forebearers and ancestors.”

Also, Senator Olalekan Mustapha in a joint statement with Mrs Falilat Mustapha described Awujale as a monarch like no other.

They said the monarch “bestrides the traditional institution like a colossus. A very decent monarch with a strength of character, fierce and independent-minded.”

“Baba, this is indeed a remarkable milestone to celebrate,” they added.