- Says monarch remains foremost model of royalty in Nigeria, Africa
From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The senator representing Ogun West senatorial district at the National Assembly, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, otherwise known as Yayi, has felicitated with the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland in Ogun State, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, on the celebration of his 64th Coronation Anniversary.
The senator in a congratulatory message signed by his Media Adviser, Kayode Odunaro, on Wednesday, stated that the Awujale remains a foremost model of royalty in the annals of Nigeria and indeed Africa.
Adeola, who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, added that Awujale is renowned among monarchies in Africa for his adherence to and promotion of tradition and culture as well as his versatility in using monarchial authority to greatly influence the socio-economic development of the people and the society.
The Senator praised Oba Adetona for always standing on the side of truth, equity and justice not only for his people but for the nation at large even at the risk of losing his exalted throne.
“We cannot forget the roles of Awujale in the fight for democracy in Nigeria. He was known to have sheltered key democracy activists during the dark day of military interregnum as well as stood against the dictatorship of the military era in many instances of sheer defiance to anti-democratic forces. He is a principled royal father par excellence” the senator stated.
Adeola attested in the statement to the fact that the 64-year reign of Awujale marked the golden and progressive era in the history of Ijebuland with the royal father providing leadership and facilitating many socio-cultural and economic development in Ijebuland and Ogun State.
The Senator, however, wished the preeminent royal father many more years on the throne in good health to continue to uphold the traditions and contribute to the further development of the society.