The 90th birthday celebration of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, begins today (Sunday) with an interdenominational service at the Popoyemoja, Ibadan palace of the monarch.
The service is to kickstart a weeklong activities lined up to celebrate the first class monarch.
Over 120 traditional rulers and prominent individuals from different parts of the country have expressed interest in honouring the monarch with their presence at various programmes.
Additionally, prominent individuals including Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr. Wale Babalakin among others will also be honouring the monarch with their presence.
The Presiding Bishop, Sword of Spirit Ministries, Francis Wale-Oke will minister at the service which is expected to be attended by the royal family, Ibadan indigenes, friends of Ibadanland amongst others.
To make the birthday anniversary a memorable one, Oba Adetunji will be offering free medical services to patients suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes at 50 centres across the 11 local governments in Ibadanland.
Oba Adetunji who was installed the 41st Olubadan on March 4, 2016 will clock 90 years on August 26.
Giving a nod to the celebration, the Olubadan said he would use the occasion to celebrate Ibadan, its diverse people and the unity of Nigeria as a whole, saying, “to live long is not a right but privilege. Even though I am from a family with an impressive record of longevity, my Late Dad Raji Olayiwola died in 1989 at the age of 89.
“God shall be praised for making me live key beyond my father’s age. My intention is to use my birthday anniversary to celebrate Ibadan and its diverse people and pray for unity and stability of Nigeria.”
Activities outlined for the celebration include Islamic services, medical outreach, Life Tribute day, film show, and distribution of food items to the needy by the monarch.
Other activities include, a royal walk, public lecture, visit to orphanages and charity hones, conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles to deserving persons with a grand birthday reception to be held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
The planning committee chairman, Professor Taoheed Adedoja while giving a breakdown of the weeklong event said the goodwill and image of the Olubadan made it easy for the three week old committee to have achieved so much in terms of planning.
He said beyond the number of invitations sent out, thousands of individuals from different parts of the country and beyond have expressed interest to participate, felicitate with and honour the revered monarch.
He said for the medical outreach, at least 250 medical personnel have agreed to give free medical attention to indigenes in 50 various centres across the ancient city, noting that each centre is to be manned by at least five medical professionals.
He said test would be conducted in the areas of blood pressure, blood glucose, weight and general medical counselling for the indigenes and people in need of medical attention.
