Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State virtually stood still recently to celebrate the 80th birthday of its monarch. Woman Editor, TEMITOPE DAVID-ADEGBOYE, who was there, writes that it became a political gathering of sorts
Former governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba (left); wife of Ogun State governor, Funsho Amosun; Oba Adetona; Subomi Balogun and Gbenga Daniel cutting the cake
Activities marking the 80th birthday and 54th coronation ceremony of the Awujale of Ijebu, Dr. Sikiru Olukayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, came to a climax penultimate Saturday with a grand luncheon at the Oladipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode.
The colourful event was held amid tight security, as security agencies were strategically positioned in and around the venue. Guests were screened before they could gain entry into the venue of the reception. Car hoods, trunks and the inside of all vehicles were thoroughly searched by soldiers. Bomb detectors were also used to scan vehicles.
The major roads leading to the venue were manned by a combined team of regular policemen and soldiers, among other security agents. Motorists and cyclists were ordered to use alternative routes. Stalls around the vicinity were also shut.
Gorgeously-dressed guests started early to flood the venue. The women complemented their attires with yellow head-gear, while the men had on a yellow cap.
President Goodluck Jonathan, speaking through his representative at the event, General Oladeinde Arogbofa (rtd.), seized the opportunity to plead with Nigerians to rally round his administration in putting an end to terrorism in the country, adding that the government would do everything possible to overcome the security problem as soon as possible.
“I want to plead with all of us that these are challenges that we are all faced with. They are challenges that all of us should join hands together to resolve for the good of our dear country,” the president said.
Describing the Awujale as epitome of peace and unity, not only in Ijebuland but Nigeria as a whole, the president attributed the prevailing peace in Ijebuland to the celebrant’s leadership style.
“I deeply appreciate all you have been doing for this land and indeed for Yorubaland and even for the entire nation. For the period that you have been in the saddle as ruler, extreme peace has existed in Ijebuland. You have contributed enormously to the development of governments during your period of service as attested to by your own son who is the governor of the state,” the president said.
In his goodwill message, Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, who traced his roots to the Ijebu, eulogised the monarch, describing him as a unifying factor that has strengthened the traditional institution in Ijebuland and development efforts of the Ogun State Government in particular and the nation in general.
He prayed God to endow the monarch with more wisdom and good health to continue to impact positively on humanity.
Said he: “On behalf of the government and good people of Bayelsa State, and even as one of your sons, I congratulate you on your well-deserved 80th birthday. May God in His infinite wisdom and mercy continue to bestow upon you all that you need, to continue to do what you have been doing so well for the great people of Ijebuland of which I am one, and for the good people of Ogun State.
Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, acknowledged that previous and present administrations of the state have benefited from the paramount ruler’s wealth of experience.
Amosun noted that his administration couldn’t have achieved its present feat of success without the contributions of the royal father. For his contributions to the development of the state and Nigeria at large, Amosun named the first fly-over constructed by his administration in Ijebu-Ode after the monarch.
In his reaction, Oba Adetona cautioned politicians and people in government against stifling critics of their government, but take the substance in the criticisms for the advancement of the country.
“People should be free to express their opinion the way they see it. The best reaction from you is to see the substance in these criticisms and see what adjustments that can be made. This is the appeal I have for all governments. I am not limiting it to the federal government; it includes the state government, the Obas. We should be tolerant.”
While citing his now cordial relationship with former Ogun governor, Segun Osoba, the monarch revealed how had had rejected the candidature of Osoba to become the number one citizen of the state.
According to him, he had told the people who brought Osoba to him back then that they had had a governor from Egba and Ijebu, and that it was the turn of Yewa to produce a governor.
“I was against him and I summoned a meeting with my people. But I don’t know if Osoba gave them money or what happened; my people betrayed me and supported him and so he emerged governor.
“The normal thing one would expect from the elected governor is to victimise and humiliate me, which I was ready to face. Rather, he tolerated me and that was the foundation of our friendship till today,” the Awujale said.
He urged all to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, so that there would be peace, stability and meaningful development of the country.
Eminent personalities who graced the occasion include General Oladeinde Arogbofa (rtd); Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi; former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari; Minister of Agriculture, Akinwunmi Adesina; and Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun. Others are former governors Olusegun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel (Ogun), Bola Tinubu (Lagos) and Omololu Olunloyo (Oyo).
The rest include president of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; chairman, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Subomi Balogun; chairman, Globacom, Mike Adenuga; and Bola Kuforiji-Olubi.