*President: He’s my confidant in whom I’ve absolute faith, trust
*His humility, personal integrity are exemplary, says ex-president
Chigozie Amadi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined former President Muhammadu Buhari, and others to rejoice with the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, as he celebrates his 90th birthday today, May 10, 2024.
Tinubu in a personal eulogy to the revered monarch, said it gave him joy to celebrate the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland “on this special occasion of his 90th birthday.
“It is indeed delightful that Kabiyesi has attained this important age and he still continues to discharge his duty as the paramount ruler of the entire Ijebuland.
“Oba Adetona is not just another traditional ruler in Yorubaland and indeed in Nigeria and Africa, he is a preeminent royal father, who has brought rare honour, integrity, dignity, courage and impeccable strength of character to the throne over the last 60 years.
“Within this period, he has seen the low and high points of our country. During the turbulent and dark days of military dictatorship, when it was difficult to speak truth to power, Oba Adetona displayed uncommon courage and stood on the side of the people. Against billows and tides, truth became his refuge.”
The president, who stated that he had always enjoyed the Oba’s trust and friendship, added: “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 ortremained 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.
“As my confidant, I have absolute faith and trust in Awujale and I have benefited from his wise counsel over the years.
“When I set out to seek the highest office in our country, I began my nationwide consultation from his palace in 2022. In keeping faith with my promise, I returned in June last year to pay homage and express my gratitude.
“Kabiyesi has fought for and invested heavily in democracy and good governance and to cap it all, he endowed a chair in that discipline at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, in Ogun State, where he built a School of Post-Graduate and Research Studies in Governance.
“Oba Adetona has earned his stripes as a forward-looking and venerable royal father not just in Yorubaland but across the world. He is one of the longest reigning monarchs in the world with over six decades on the throne.
“Kabiyesi has lived well and served well. We will continue to honour his service to humanity and commitment to duty.Now that he has joined the prestigious Club of Nonagenarians, I can only wish him more years in good health on the throne of his forebears,” he stated.
Buhari, in a statement yesterday, said he was proud of his “special relationship with the Oba and his subjects.”
The former President described the Awujale as an “exemplary chief, who leads through example and shows the conduct of a true statesman.
“Oba Adetona exemplifies how a traditional leader should conduct himself and how to treat others, whether they are his subjects or not. His respectable demeanour towards others and his humility and personal integrity are exemplary,” he said, wishing him a longer life in service and good health.
Also, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation and former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, congratulated the monarch, and emphasised his noble contributions to nation building in various capacities.
Oba Adetona has the record of being one of the nation’s longest reigning traditional rulers, having been on the throne ahead of the country’s independence since April 1960.
Kalu, who applauded the Awujale for sustaining his humanitarian gestures in advancing the cause of the people, extolled his outstanding and selfless leadership qualities.
While noting that the monarch was a rallying point for his contemporaries and the younger generation, Kalu called on leaders across the country to emulate the remarkable legacy of the monarch.
