‘You’ve Earned Global Respect’, President Tinubu, Oyebanji, Eulogise Ewi At 80th Birthday Thanksgiving

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday eulogised the Ewi of Ado- Ekiti Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe at his 80th birthday and 35th coronation anniversary thanksgiving service, describing him as a global figure who has earned respect and reference beyond the shores of the country.

President Tinubu spoke just as Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, praised the monarch at a well-attended service held at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Ado Ekiti.

Extolling the virtues of the monarch, President Tinubu who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said Ewi’s reign has continued to bring honour, stability and cultural prestige to Ado Ekiti and Ekiti State at large.

Noting that the monarch’s leadership style has become a point of admiration across the world, the President said Ewi has, over the years demonstrated integrity, wisdom and unmatched commitment to peaceful coexistence.

President Tinubu said “Your Majesty, it is with immense joy and profound respect that I like to congratulate you on two remarkable milestones. Your 80th birthday and the 35th anniversary of your ascension to the revered throne of Ewi of Ado Ekiti. These significant milestones in your journey symbolize more than just the passage of time. They represent an enduring commitment to leadership, characterized by integrity, humility and dignity.

“Your contributions to preserving and advancing the cultural heritage, unity and development of Ado Ekiti and the entire Ekiti State have been unparalleled and are widely admired beyond the borders of Yoruba land.

“As one of Nigeria’s foremost traditional rulers, Your Majesty’s love has been a beacon of principled leadership and a source of inspiration for many, including myself. It is your character and career, matched with your dignified presence, that continually earn you reverence and respect nationwide”.

Earlier in his remarks, Governor Oyebanji also extolled the virtues of the respected monarch, describing him as a father to all and a custodian of traditions whose councel has helped in shaping the progress of the State.

The Governor said Ewi’s 80th birthday was a celebration of life devoted to service, compassion and community development, commending the monarch’s role the creation of Ekiti State.

Governor Oyebanji also used the occasion to reassured Nigerians that the country will soon overcome its current security challenges, expressing optimism that the ongoing efforts of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led- Federal Government are already yielding positive results.

While maintaining that Nigeria has the capacity to defeat all forms of insecurity, the Governor called on residents of the state and Nigerians at large to go about their daily activities without fear, assuring that the President’s commitment to reforming the security architecture would create a safer and more prosperous nation.

“It has been 80 years of grace and 35 years of impact. Kabiyesi, I congratulate you, it can only be God. God’s grace has been sufficient for you and we thank God for his faithfulness.

“Two weeks ago, I was with the President and he spoke glowing about Kabiyesi Ewi and my mind went to that period when he was struggling for the creation of Ekiti State. What he went through, all the sacrifices, many nights of you having to share the same hotel room and bed with your brother obas, many days of agony, many days of lack. those of us that are governors will not be governors today if not for your efforts. So on behalf of those of us that have enjoyed that platform, and that still enjoying the platform offered by Ekiti State, we say thank you.

“Thank you, Kabiyesi for your support for our government and for supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The president needs our prayer and support more than before now, because he is our own and he is trying his best ensure that he deliver on the promises to the people. It is not possible for a man to embark on this kind of audacious reforms without some people fighting back but by the grace of God, by your prayers and support, we will defeat criminality in this country”. The Governor asserted.

Also at the event were, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, former Governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, former NBA President, Chief Wole Olanipekun, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and other notable traditional rulers.