Prominent dignitaries from all walks of life have lauded the leadership qualities and prowess of a foremost traditional ruler, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, as he celebrates his 80th birthday.
The dignitaries include Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudasiru Obasa; former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Ikenwoli; former Akwa Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio; Lagos State Commissioner for Arts and Tourism, Mr. Steve Ayorinde; who represented Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu.
The dignitaries spoke on yesterday during the launch of a book as part of the celebration of the Alaafin’s 80th birthday anniversary in Ibadan.
Also at the event were the Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi; Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Kano State governor, Dr Umar Ganduje, the Aare Ona Kankafo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, royal father’s from different parts of the country, community leaders, religious leaders among others.
In his remark, Osinbajo said the Alaafin has demonstrated true leadership and stood on the path of truth as a leader of the Yoruba race.
Osinbajo, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the event, said, “Leadership is not in title no matter high sounding or revered the title may be. Ultimately, the true leader of the people is the one who serves his people by personal sacrifice and by the demonstration of personal conviction even to his own detriment.
“The Alaafin has in the past 47 years on the throne, by words, deeds and personal sacrifice, demonstrated true leadership. He has time and time again stood on the side of the truth and personal conviction of what he thought best for the Yoruba race. Among leaders, traditional leaders have a more profound role to play. The traditional leader is the true custodian of the moral essence of the people.”
In his speech, the Ooni said he was grateful to witness the celebration of the monarch, noting that although he was a king like the Alaafin, he prayed God to grant him long life like the Alaafin.
Ajimobi in his speech thanked Alaafin for supporting his government, describing him as a quintessential monarch and a man of strong ancestral heritage.
“It is an occasion to thank God and take stock of the unique blessings that the king is endowed with. At 80, he is still productive so much that he produced two sets of twins through his queens recently. He supports government at all times,” said Ajimobi.
In a statement the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, felicitated with the Alaafin. In a statement by his media adviser, Mr. Sola Fasure, the governor rejoiced with the first class ruler, who he said has been blessed by God with longevity of life.
The governor described the Alaafin as a worthy custodian of Yoruba culture and heritage and a good ambassador of the Yoruba race.
The statement said in part: “I rejoice with you as it has pleased the Almighty God to give you long life and good health to spend on earth and on the revered throne.
“You have been a worthy custodian of the Yoruba culture and tradition and have positively projected this all over the world. As your fame has soared globally, so also has the Yoruba nation, its culture, tradition and continuities in the Diaspora soared.”
