By Bode Durojaiye
His Imperial Majesty, Oba [Dr.] Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, the Alaafin of Oyo, is indisputably a quintessential traditional ruler with distinction.
Among the Obas in Yorubaland, he distinguishes himself as an epitome of intelligence, repository of knowledge, culture and symbol of intellectualism in royalty.
However, President Muhammadu Buhari, and his entourage, including the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, and his Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, would not forget in a jiffy the twenty minute uncommon tutorial given by His Imperial Majesty, on Saturday, 26th of January, 2019, at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State Capital.
About 103 traditional rulers led by the Alaafin converged inside the House of Chiefs where the President addressed them at a closed door meeting, and solicited their support for his re-election for second term in office.
In his address, Oba Adeyemi narrated how the House of Chiefs was constructed in 1954 by the defunct Western Regional Government of late Obafemi Awolowo, and commissioned by the Queen of Britain in 1956.
He added that a total of 215 resolutions were passed in the House by the traditional rulers, out of which 200 were implemented, and 15 rejected.
The Permanent Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs told the President Buhari that he was the first President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to address traditional rulers at the House of Chiefs.
The royal father described Buhari, as a‘’ leader with integrity, probity, honesty, and conscience, whose dedication and fortitude has broken leadership handicaps, but manufactured obstacles and hindrances, leveled false gods, and show citizens greatness, service, sacrifice, and leadership’’.
He also lauded Buhari for holding and not folding up, face difficulties and work through trials with connected brains.
Alaafin who noted that visions make leaders passionate, while thorns keep them, said one thing which is indisputable about President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration is the fact that ‘’the era of oligarchy and corruption-ridden governance with contents of the National Anthem and pledge being turned into mere nominal mouthing had gone for good’’.
According to him, ’now, despite the challenges in the country, why is President Buhari still the man to beat? Some of the challenges in the country are genuine. Some others are orchestrated by those unpatriotic elements. Discipline, simplicity, love of country, lack of greed, and a heart for the poor and downtrodden, which is the realization of the ephemeral nature of power, and of life itself, remain the hallmark of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.’’
Alaafin recalled how Buhari endorsed his re-appointment for another term of four years, having served two consecutive terms of four years each as Chancellor of the then University of Sokoto, the first of its kind in the country.
Alaafin’s extempore was interjected with rounds of applause and admiration of intellectual prowess and good sense of history at old age by the distinguished guests, including the President.
Oba Adeyemi who also spoke in parable, enjoined the elated traditional rulers to consider the antecedents and precedents of President Buhari as a guide before taken a decision on who to support in next month’s Presidential election.
In his comment, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, described the Alaafin as ‘’a pride of the Yoruba race whose resilience, sincerity of purpose, and commitment to growth and development is unflinching’’.
The governor said ‘’Alaafin is highly intelligent, thorough, blunt and has never allowed falsehood and hypocrisy to be his guiding principle’.
Ajimobi called on the traditional rulers to give their utmost support to President Buhari, who he referred to as ‘’a dynamic, resourceful, dedicated, redoubtable and an incorruptible leader who has been tested and trusted.”
Responding, President Buhari acknowledged and lauded the intellectual prowess of the Alaafin and his accurate sense of history, even at old age.
He said endorsement of the Alaafin as Chancellor of the then University of Sokoto ‘’was based on merit with proven and outstanding records of accomplishments.”
While commending traditional rulers in the State for their harmonious relationship, President Buhari solicited the support of the royal fathers, in order to continue his good works, and to consolidate on the accomplished tasks.
