Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and former Governor Rashidi Ladoja on Sunday defied their estranged relationship as they warmly embraced each other to add colour to the 90th birthday of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
The University of Ibadan International Conference Centre, venue of the event was thrown into wild jubilation as the perceived estranged brothers embraced themselves.
The week-long birthday celebration attracted prominent monarchs across Yoruba land, members of the state executive council and gladiators across political divides.
Some dignitaries at the event were former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola and some white cap Chiefs from Lagos.
Others are Sen. Soji Akanbi, Hon. Dada Abiodun Awoleye member House of Representatives, Hon Akeem Ige, Minority Leader, Oyo State House of Assembly, Alhaji Daud Akinola, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland and Hon. Ademola Ojo.
Some political gladiators in the state were also there and this included Dr Olusola Ayandele, Engr Seyi Makinde, Mr Joseph Tegbe, Chief Niyi Akintola, Alhaji Sharafadeen Alli, Mr Isaac Omodewu, Dr Azeez Adeduntan and Chief Adebayo Adelabu.
In his remark at the occasion, Governor Abiola Ajimobi expressed happiness that the monarch, whom he referred to as his father, clocked 90 years, praying that the ancient city of Ibadan witness more development during his reign.
The Governor stated that the imbroglio between the state government and the renown gospel musician, Dr Yinka Ayefele has been resolved, pledging his administration’s readiness to assist him to renovate the music house.
Also in their separate remarks, former Governor Alao-Akala, Seyi Makinde, Joseph Tegbe congratulated the monarch on his 90th birthday, praying that his reign brings peace to Ibadanland and Oyo State.
Earlier, Ladoja, who is an Ibadan high chief, congratulated the monarch on his birthday, praying that he reigns longer on the throne of his fore-fathers.
The former governor, who is also the Osi-Olubadan of Ibadanland had at a prayer session held at Popoyemoja palace of the monarch, said the crisis rocking Olubadan-in-Council would soon be resolved.
The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji AbdulGaniy Abubakr, offered praises and thanks to God for what they described as special grace bestowed on the 41st Olubadan to attain age 90 on earth.
Prof. Kamaldeen Balogun, Chief Imam of Gbagura in Ogun State, said living above life expectancy in Nigeria required divine grace from God.
Balogun in a lecture, enjoined Nigerian leaders to fight injustice and poverty ravaging the country so as to reduce the number of citizens dying as a result of hypertension.
Alhaji Mudathir Bada, the Chief Imam of Oluyole, urged the monarch to rule Ibadan land with the fear of God so as to remain relevant.
Alhaja Sekinat Adekola, the Iya Adinni of Ibadanland, called for the resolution of the crisis rocking the Olubadan-in-Council.
In his address, Prof Taoheed Adedoja, Chairman, Olubadan 90th Birthday Celebration Committee, said the essence of the birthday celebration according to Olubadan was to celebrate Ibadan and pray for national unity and stability.
Adedoja, who is a former Minister of Youth and Sports, said that to live long was by the glory and grace of God, urging the people to be good to their parents, elders and the aged.
The former Minister stated that the Yoruba tradition which Olubadan represents should be preserved, respected and protected, saying such should be within the context of modernity and technological age.
Packaged by Oyedapo Oyewole
