As a way of thanking God for his life, no fewer than 120 traditional rulers from different parts of the country have signified the interest in attending activities lined up to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
The monarch will clock 90 on Saturday, August 26 but a weeklong activities preceding the date has been drawn up.
Additional, prominent individuals including Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr. Wale Babalakin among others will also be honouring the first class monarch with their presence.
The disclosure was made on Tuesday by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja during a press conference organised to reveal activities lined up for the carnival-like celebration.
The Olubadan who briefly showed up at the press conference to give a nod and his blessings to the celebration of his 90 birthday said “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 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.”
Some of the activities earmarked for the celebration included an interdenominational christian and 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 International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
Giving a breakdown of the event which would commence on August 19, Adedoja said the goodwill and image of the Olubadan made it easy for the three week old committee to have achieve so much in terms of planning, saying beyond the number of invitations sent out, thousands of individuals from different parts of the country and beyond on daily basis keep expressing 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 expert medical processionals.
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.
The former minister of sports and special duties who was accompanied by other members of the committee at the press conference said, an Ibadan indigene from the University of Texas, Austin Texas, United States of America, Professor Toyin Falola would deliver a public lecture entitled “Isese, Asa Ati Esin: Cultural Bridges to our development and modalities” at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.
He added that the governor of the state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi is giving his full moral and financial support to the celebration in his capacities as the governor of the state, a son to the Olubadan, a true Ibadan son and a traditional title holder of Aare of Ibadanland.
Some of the notable musical who have express willingness and would be performing at the grand finale include, Yinka Ayefele, Wasiu Ayinde, Saheed Osupa, Abass Akande Obesere, Taye Currency among other popular musicians.
