The Ekefa Balogun of Ibadan land, Akogun Sharafadeen Alli, A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and Ibadan Mogaji, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige and Former Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi and Babalaje of Ogbomosoland, Engineer Mufutau Open Salawu have felicitated with the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji Aje Ogunguniso I as he turned 93.
They made this known in a separate press statements made available to insideoyo.com on Thursday.
Alli in his statement described Olubadan as a rare gem whose time had brought numerous achievements to the stool of Olubadan and Ibadan land.
The former secretary to the state government in a statement he personally signed in Ibadan wished the monarch a long life and prosperity.
The statement reads; Kabiyesi, I congratulate you, I congratulate Ibadan land and also the Olubadan stool for witnessing today. As my father, I pray for long life and prosperity for you. Your time in Ibadan land has witnessed numerous development.
“You have brought more honour, dignity and respect to the Olubadan stool. Since you got to the throne of your forefathers, you have used your elderly wisdom to bring relative peace to the institution. We celebrate you today and forever.”
Tegbe in his own statement said, Ibadan under Oba Adetunji, has witnessed huge success, unprecedented growth and development, adding that the monarch has been the royal pillar and custodian of values, history and traditions of the people.
He said His Imperial Majesty’s visionary and purposeful leadership has consistently promoted peaceful and harmonious co-existence and respect for religions and diverse cultures.
Tegbe further said, Oba Adetunji has successfully carried on with the legacies of his forefathers, dating back to the 16th century, with an intentional focus to uphold the beautiful traditions of hospitality, respect for authorities and community development that has always defined the throne.
He congratulated the Olubadan on this special day and prays for longeveity of life in good health for Kabiyesi.
According to Ige. the reign of the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji Aje Ogunguniso 1 has been described as the one that has brought steady and accelerated development to Ibadan land.
Hon. Akeem Ige who is also the Baameto Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland further stated that Kaabiyesi’s birthday calls for celebration by all true sons and daughters of Ibadan because his reign has been peaceful and eventful.
According to him, “looking at the events that led to his enthronement as the Olubadan of Ibadan in March, 2016 and his travail in the hands of the last administration after mounting the throne, one will be left with no option than to thank Almighty Allah for Kaabiyesi for surmounting all the challenges and live to celebrate 93 years on earth.”
“It therefore, gladdens my heart to congratulate your majesty on your birthday anniversary today on behalf of my self and my family. You are a visionary monarch and inspiration to we your children and your subjects. Your leadership style is quite different and unique and I’m proud of you my father.”
“Kaabiyesi, as you celebrate your 93rd birthday today, I pray God Almighty to grant you many more years in sound health and peace of mind so that we can continue to drink from your word of wisdom. Congratulations Kaabiyesi!”
Also Open Salawu, the Waziri jari Nupe said the Olubadan is like Soun of Ogbomosoland adding that the monarchs share so many things in common, their sense of humor, Intelligence and wisdom, peace loving and entrepreneurship role in their communities.
He said that King Wasiu Ayinde cannot write the history of his success without mentioning the fatherly roles of Oba Salihu Akanmu Adetunji.
He added “We Pray that Almighty God will continue to guide and protect you Kabiyesi. I wish you good health and prosperity.”
