Traditional rulers key to national unity, security, says Tinubu, Aiyedatiwa
By Julius Alabi, Akure
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged traditional rulers across the country to deploy wisdom, deepen dialogue and discourage violence in their domains, as Nigeria grapples with mounting security and social cohesion challenges.
The President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, gave the charge in Lagos during the launch of the autobiography of the Oluabo of Ilu-Abo, Oba Olu Falae, titled The Triumph of Grace, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island.
Tinubu said the nation was at a critical juncture where the roles of traditional institutions had become increasingly significant, stressing that peace and security must not be left to government alone but should be pursued collectively through broad-based collaboration.
He described Oba Falae as a distinguished statesman and revered monarch whose public service record reflects integrity, intellectual depth and enduring commitment to national development.
In his remarks, Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, called for a return to value-driven leadership, citing the life of Oba Falae as a compelling model of resilience, discipline and service.
Aiyedatiwa noted that the event transcended celebration, providing a platform for critical reflection on leadership ethos and Nigeria’s direction, adding that integrity remains the most enduring currency in leadership.
He emphasised the need for discipline, honour and accountability in both public and private life, urging leaders to draw lessons from the monarch’s trajectory.
“Diligence is not negotiable, adversity is not final, and integrity remains the most enduring currency,” the governor said, underscoring the imperatives of courage, wisdom and purpose in leadership.
The governor also reflected on Nigeria’s socio-economic evolution, noting that past policy decisions, including austerity measures, should be contextualised within prevailing realities rather than judged in isolation.
He further described Oba Falae as a symbol of disciplined service, whose contributions as a top civil servant, minister and presidential candidate continue to resonate across generations.
Aiyedatiwa commended the scholarly review of the book by former Ondo State governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, noting that such intellectual engagements enrich public understanding of the nation’s historical and political trajectory.
He added that the autobiography underscores the place of divine grace in human affairs, stressing that while effort is inevitable, outcomes are ultimately shaped by a higher orchestration.
Congratulating the monarch on the publication, the governor described the book as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s moral and historical consciousness.
Also speaking, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Barr. Bayo Lawal, described the celebrant as an enigma and visionary statesman.
In his review, former Ondo State governor, Mimiko, characterised the work as a testament to diligence, integrity and public service, noting that its title reflects the author’s deep conviction in divine guidance.
“There is no coincidence with the God that he serves. He serves the God of precision,” Mimiko said.
In his vote of thanks, Oba Falae expressed gratitude to guests and reflected on defining moments of grace in his life, including his survival at birth after being presumed stillborn, his narrow escape from a fatal air crash in 1969 due to a last-minute change of flight, and his survival during a kidnap incident at age 77.
“These experiences show grace at work,” the monarch said.
He also highlighted key milestones in his career, including his appointment as Managing Director of Nigeria Merchant Bank, which he described as a “political miracle.”
Dignitaries at the event included the wife of the celebrant, Mrs. Racheal Falae; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Babagana Kingibe; former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and former Military Governor of Ondo State, Bode George.
Others are former Minister of State for Defence (Navy), Dr. Olu Agunloye; former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mrs. Titi Tomori-Ponle; the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi; Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Senator Dayo Adeyeye; Chairman of Elizade Group, Chief Ade Ojo; and Executive Director, Corporate Services, NDDC, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, among others.
