You’re Testament to Good Leadership, Tinubu, Abiodun, Sanwo-Olu Tell Alake at 80

*President rejoices with ex-PDP chair, Bamanga Tukur, at 88

Deji Elumoye in Abuja and James Sowole in Abeokuta

President Bola Tinubu has described the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Gbadebo, as a leader whose virtues transcend his community while his support for arts, culture and education ensure the preservation of the Yoruba heritage for generations yet unborn. Tinubu stated this during a thanksgiving service at the Cathedral of St. Peters, Ake, Abeokuta, to mark Alake’s 80th birthday.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also eulogised the paramount ruler as he celebrated in style.
In a related development, Tinubu rejoiced with former governor of the old Gongola State, and erstwhile national chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, who turns 88 today.

Speaking at a thanksgiving service to mark Alake’s 80th birthday, Tinubu said Oba Gbadebo’s eight decades of leadership had been a testimony of unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people and the country at large.
Represented by Abiodun, Tinubu said, “As his Royal Majesty reaches this remarkable milestone, we are reminded not only of his dedication to Nigeria, but also his warmth, humility and generosity.

“He has been a shining example of leadership that extends beyond his community, emphasising the importance of compassion and service to all Nigerians.”
The president emphasised that Oba Gbadebo was a symbol of unity who fostered a sense of belonging among his people. He said the occasion was an opportunity to pay tribute to the enduring legacy of a sovereign whose reign was marked by wisdom, compassion, and service to his people.

Similarly, celebrating Tukur, Tinubu, according to a statement by his media adviser, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, joined the family, friends, business, and political associates of the Tafidan Adamawa and Wakilin Ganye in marking this new age. The president said it was a new age heralded by years of selfless and sacrificial contributions to the development of Nigeria’s private and public sectors with a rich legacy of philanthropy and service to the country across various capacities.
Tinubu further extolled the former chairman of PDP for his visionary leadership, which was remarkably reflected in his democratic credentials of contesting and winning elections, while consistently advocating good governance nationwide.

As a former General Manager at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Minister of Industry, the president affirmed that Tukur’s wealth of experience and wisdom, accrued through many years of service – most recently as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of NEPAD Business Group – would always serve as an important resource pool for growth in Nigeria, and Africa.

Abiodun, while celebrating Alake, noted that attaining the age of 80 in good health and many noteworthy feats worthy of admiration could be attributed to divine favour. He said the monarch had impacted lives in various ways through his humanitarian services.
The governor stated, “Kabiyesi, I am, indeed, thrilled and sincerely grateful for the unwavering support and guidance that our administration has received from you over the years, especially your open and unequivocal support to our second term in office.

“Without mincing words, it is expedient to state that Egbaland is blessed to have you as an exemplary monarch, and we are delighted to be associated with the successes you have recorded in the last 38 years of your reign on the throne of your ancestors.”

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said Oba Gbadebo’s visionary leadership and quest for Social, economic and political emancipation and elevation of his subjects had fostered an era of unprecedented development in Egbaland. He said the monarch, who retired voluntarily as Colonel in the Nigerian Army, left the military with impeccable records, exhibiting the true spirit of royalty in him.

Sanwo-Olu said in the statement, “Oba Gbadebo’s reign as the Alake has been a beacon of wisdom, benevolence and cultural heritage, enriching the lives of his subjects and the larger Nigeria populace. His leadership has been the cornerstone of peace and progress in Egbaland, and his commitment to the preservation and promotion of our rich cultural heritage is unparalleled.

“His Majesty’s commitment to peace, unity and progress is well-known and deeply respected. His visionary leadership, coupled with his ceaseless quest for the upliftment of his subjects, has fostered an era of unprecedented growth and prosperity in Egbaland.”