The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba (Dr) Lamidi Adeyemi who hosted the grand finale of his 80th birthday at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan on Saturday has thanked all those who ensured that the event recorded tremendous success.
The respected monarch who spoke through one of his daughters said he is full of appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Abiola Ajimobi and other governors. He did not forget to menting the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and other prominent traditional rulers who were present.
At the event, the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo described the Alaafin as a true leader who has served the Yorùbá race with complete faithfulness and sacrifice.
Osinbajo said: “The Alaafin of Oyo had 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 truth.
“He has really served the Yorùbá race. You may not always agree with him, but you are never in doubt of his sincerity of purpose and capacity to act consistently on the side of his conviction.”
He described the Alaafin as a worthy Yorùbá leader and father, whose intellectual prowess and commitment to the Yorùbá cause was unparalleled.
Similarly, former President, Goodluck Jonathan, said the monarch was a father and quintessential leader, whose contribution to national development was impressive.
Jonathan, who was represented by Seyi Makinde, PDP’s governorship candidate in Oyo State, urged the monarch not to relent in the promotion of Yorùbá culture and tradition.
In a similar vain, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State said that the monarch’s wisdom and persuasive skills contributed immensely to the achievements of his administration.
Ajimobi said that the monarch had in the last seven and a half years of his administration also helped in enthroning peace and stability to the state.
Governor Umar Ganduje of Kano State thanked God for the Alaafin’s life, saying the monarch has contributed meaningfully to national integration.
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, APC National Leader, said that the Alaafin has contributed a lot to the promotion and sustenance of Yorùbá culture as well as tradition.
Tinubu, who was represented by Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, charged the monarch to bring together all royal fathers in Yorubaland in the interest of the region.
Senator Godswill Akpabio, a former Akwa-Ibom state governor, also extolled the virtues of the Alaafin, whom he described as a father and leader.
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, congratulated Alaafin on his 80th birthday celebration, wishing him more years on the throne of his fore fathers.
The Alaafin appreciated the guests for their support, promising not to relent in his contribution to national integration and development.
The monarch who gave the historical background of Oyo empire, said the empire would not relent in projecting its ideologies.
The event also featured the presentation of a documentary titled ‘Alaafin of Oyo, a legendary custodian of Yorùbá culture and tradition’.
Among other guests at the event were Chief Gani Adams, Ààrẹ Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Oyo APC’s gubernatorial candidate, traditional rulers, politicians and members of the state’s executive council.
Packaged by Alice Egbedele with additional reports from NAN
