Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has challenged traditional rulers in the country to remain credible, stating that their wisdom and leadership are critical to the sustenance of a truly democratic society.
Professor Osinbajo gave the charge at a book launch which took place on Saturday, at the International Conference Centre, in the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, to mark the 80th birthday of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi (III).
He stated that the monarch’s 47-year reign has brought peace and unprecedented development to the entire Yoruba land, adding that he has served the entire Yoruba race with complete faithfulness and sacrifice.
“The Alaafin of Oyo had in the past 47 years on the throne by words, deeds and personal sacrifice demonstrated true leadership. He has time and time again stood on the side of truth.”
“He has really served the Yoruba race. You may not always agree with him, but you are never in doubt of his sincerity of purpose and capacity to act consistently on the side of his conviction,” Osinbajo said.
In the same vein, former President Goodluck Jonathan said the monarch was a father and quintessential leader, whose contribution to national development was impressive.
Jonathan, who was represented by Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship candidate in the state, urged the monarch not to relent in the promotion of the Yoruba culture and tradition.
The host of the event, Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi in his remarks, said that the monarch’s wisdom and persuasive skills contributed immensely to the achievements of his administration.
Ajimobi said that the monarch had in the last seven and a half years of his administration also helped in enthroning peace and stability to the state.
Similarly, the Governor of Kano State, Umar Ganduje thanked God for Alaafin’s life, saying the monarch has contributed meaningfully to national integration.
Also eulogising the Alaafin, Chairman of the event who doubles as the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, said he has contributed a lot to the promotion and sustenance of the Yoruba culture as well as tradition.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa, charged the monarch to bring together all royal fathers in Yoruba land in the interest of the region.
