Reasons have been given to justify why the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji will be celebrating his 90th birthday.
He revealed that it is not in his character to celebrate birthdays and was quick to add that he is proposing to celebrate his 90th birthday anniversary slated for 26th August this year because his late father who died in 1989 did not live to be 90.
The first class monarch stated this at his Popoyemoja, Ibadan palace today while inaugurating a 16-member birthday anniversary committee led by former Minister of Special Duties and Sport, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja. Oba Adetunji, who noted that to live long in life, is not a right but a privilege, stated that his intention is to use the birthday anniversary to celebrate Ibadan and its diverse people and to pray for the unity and stability of Nigerian nation.
The Olubadan stated that even though he comes from a family with an impressive record of longetivity, his late Dad, Raji Olayiwola who passed on in 1989 lived up to the ripe age of 89 and as such, God deserves to be praised.
The Olubadan who entertained no illusion that the responsibility ahead of the birthday anniversary committee is onerous noted that he had no doubt about the integrity of all the committee members.
Apart from the chairman, Prof. Adedoja, other members of the committee are Barr. Niyi Ajewole; Personal Assistant to Olubadan, Mr. Adeola Oloko; Engr. Lere Adigun; Alhaji Ambali Adetunji; Alhaji Rasheed Oladejo and Alhaja Simiat Adeleke Larodo.
Other members are Mr. Lateef Gbadamosi; Comrade Yinka Akinpelu; Alhaji Kola Animasaun; Prince Lanre Ogundipe; Chief Waheed Ekun; Mr. Olajide Laniyonu and representative of the apex body of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, Mr. Ademola Alabi and Mrs Laide Gesinde and also the representative of Oyo State Government.
In his remarks, the committee’s chairman, Prof. Adedoja expressed gratitude to the monarch for the confidence reposed him and his members, promising that his committee would do everything possible to deliver.
Packaged by Mayowa Owogbade
