Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, and the governors of Lagos and Ekiti states, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Biodun Oyebanji, on Saturday, hailed President Bola Tinubu for two years of purposeful and impactful governance in the country
The political leaders canvassed Nigerians’ support and encouragement for Tinubu to continue to do more to move the country forward and give better lives to the citizens.
Bamidele, Sanwo-Olu and Oyebanji spoke in Ado Ekiti during the conferment of the Atobatele of Ado Ekiti chieftaincy title on the Chairman of Lagos Governor’s Advisory Council, Prince Tajudeen Olusi by the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe.
The colourful event, which was attended by representatives of Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owode, also had in attendance members of Ekiti State Council of Obas led by their chairman and Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro; market women led by the Iyaloja -General of Lagos, Mrs Folasade Tinubu-Ojo and traditional and political leaders from Ekiti and Lagos states.
President Tinubu, who was represented by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described Prince Olusi as a “true democrat” whose selfless service and commitment to good governance had made a lasting impact on the Nigerian political landscape.
Bamidele said, “Let me just say on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, I congratulate Prince. Tajudeen Olusi, who has been honoured here today. Prince Olusi is someone who is loved and revered by the President.
“This is not only an honour to Prince Olusi, it is also an honour to Lagos State and Yoruba land. As far as we are concerned, this is also a lesson for all of us that we should do only those things that will promote the unity of Nigeria,” he said.
The Senate Leader, who said that Tinubu had since assumption of office two years ago, taken steps that had paid off in the country assured Ekiti of more from the administration.
Sanwo-Olu hailed the honour done to Olusi, saying, “We are happy for him. It is not just a homecoming (to him maternal place) for him, it is in recognition of a man who has worked tirelessly to serve mankind, one of our leading political fathers, not only in Lagos or Southwest but in Nigeria”.
The Lagos State governor, who saluted the President for his achievements in two years, said that his endorsement for another term by APC governors was based on the fact that “if you have something good and working for you, why do you need to change it?”
He said in the last two years, “Even without glasses, we all can see that indeed, it has been 24 months of gainful and purposeful impact in the country; things he (Tinubu) has shown can be turned around.
“We all know that the inflation we all cried about a year ago has begun to come down, we all know that the payment of our foreign debt has begun to come around, we all know that there has been stability in our currency.
“We also know that indeed, the one that they called the security challenges in the Niger Delta is a bit normalised, so we can begin to see that the economic trajectory of the country is on a course that is enviable. These are commendable. The minimum that we can do is to continue to encourage and support him to continue to lead and to lead us well.
“In another two years, I can assure you that we are going to see a lot more in terms of dividends of democracy for our country. We will see that indeed part of the strategies that he used in Lagos, he has been able to use it for our country and we are happy. We are excited that APC has taken the lead and everybody is indeed on the same train with him. We will continue to pray for him, wish him well, wish the country well,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, who adopted Sanwo-Olu’s assertions, added that the conferment reflected the wisdom of the traditional institution in celebrating deserving individuals.
Oyebanji said, “Prince Olusi’s integrity, leadership and commitment to the welfare of the people are truly exemplary. You are revered in Lagos and it speaks to the kind of person you are. Baba is a model of humility, one of the few progressive politicians still standing today and he has mentored a lot of people”.
The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adejugbe, said conferment of chieftaincy titles on illustrious sons of Ado-Ekiti and other individuals was not merely ceremonial, but meant to build bridges between the past and the present as well as the capacity of traditional institutions to cope with modern challenges.
The monarch said, “Prince Olusi’s educational and cultural credentials and his contribution to society, which attested to his leadership qualities, were among other considerations that made the Ewi-in-Council unanimously adjudged him worthy of the exalted title and to be traditionally celebrated by Ado Ekiti kingdom”.
The new Atobatele of Ado Ekiti, Prince Olusi, who expressed his gratitude to Oba Adejugbe and Ewi-in-Council for the honour, said the recognition would further strengthen his resolve to mentor the next generation of leaders and work tirelessly for the unity and prosperity of the Yoruba land and the country at large.
Olusi described the honour as “a significant milestone in my life and a testament to the enduring values of service, unity and leadership. It represents deep cultural ties and shared values that bind the Yoruba people and promote harmony across the nation”.
