Globacom Honours Awujale @ 80

-Adenuga is most  generous Nigerian - Oba Adetona

History was made in the country recently when the longest serving monarch, Alayeluwa Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, CFR, joined the class of octogenarians on Saturday, May 10, 2014. The birthday was marked with a week long programme that started with a thanksgiving service on 4th May and ended with a luncheon party at the expansive Dipo Dina Stadium on May 10th. 

All through the events of the 80th birthday, National Telecommunication carrier, Globacom was ubiquitous in words and deeds.

Globacom’s  support was most evident during the mini Ojude Oba Festival held to serenade Oba Adetona fondly called “Orisa Ijebu” at the Oba Sikiru Adetona Golden Jubilee Pavilion. Thousands of proud sons and daughters of Ijebuland including over 50 Kings from the six local governments that make up the Ogun East Senatorial District thronged the pavilion to pay homage to the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland  on his 80th birthday and Globacom banners and logo were

very conspicuous.

Excited Ijebu indigenes and guests  gaily dressed in the special light blue Ankara with Awujale’s picture emblazoned on it thronged the pavillion to pay homage to the monarch widely regarded as the rallying point for Ijebuland. Attendees who included two former Governors of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Gbenga Daniel as well as top government functionaries watched for over five hours as the delegations, market women, horse and motorcycle riders danced, sang and gave speeches extolling the virtues of Oba Adetona who had been ruling Ijebuland for the past 54 years in a transformational

and impactful manner.

In his speech on the occasion, Oba Adetona thanked all and sundry adding “I thank you all warmly. I feel fulfilled. I dedicate myself to service to humanity for the rest of my life. I thank you for your love and affection. I pray God to reward you abundantly”. The elated monarch added further “You have made history today as what we are seeing had never happened before. My prayer is that we will all come together to foster unity. Let us eschew violence, tell the truth at all times so that peace would reign supreme”.

Earlier, the state-of-the-art Ijebu National Museum showcasing the

rich cultural and religious history of Ijebuland and its people was commissioned by the monarch. The commissioning of the museum, the brain child of the  Awujale was a dream come true for the monarch. To actualize the dream, an international Curator, Craig Diji Fashoro, was brought in from the United States. The museum showcases the rich tapestry of past and present history of the Ijebus for posterity. Mr Fashoro posits “…in the museum, historical legends take their places alongside classical mythology…”. Otunba Deji Osibogun, the project Director was visibly excited that the museum project was commissioned as a birthday present to Oba Adetona and

enthused that the museum would “preserve our past, celebrate our today and shape our future”.

Globacom Chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga, GCON  in his congratulatory message to mark the 80thbirthday anniversary  described Oba Adetona as an exemplary monarch and epitome of goodness whose kindness knows no boundary. He noted that the Paramount Ruler had transformed his environment positively in the last 54 years of his reign as Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland. His words “In the last 54 years of Alayeluwa’s reign, Ijebuland has transmuted into international reckoning due to Oba

Adetona’s untiring efforts to develop our land. It is on record that the monarch leveraged on his personal contacts and those of his subjects to reposition Ijebuland and Ijebu who are considered as legendary masters in leadership, commerce and industry.” He commended the monarch for his compassionate and transformational rule that has magnified the Ijebu essence into a global brand emulated all over the world and forged a strong bond of love and unity amongst the over 50 federating Ijebu towns and kingdoms.

“Oba Adetona is the pride of Ijebuland and has defined the never-say-die entrepreneurial spirit unique to the race. As a nationalist and

detribalized patriot, he has built bridges of friendship across various ethnic divides. It is remarkable that Alayeluwa has re-invented the Ojude Oba Festival into a global event enthusiastically supported by devotees of all religions thus promoting religious harmony.”

The grand finale was a classy affair with sumptuous meals and choice drinks generously on offer. President Goodluck Jonathan was represented by his Chief of Staff, General Jones Arogbofa, Bayelsa State Governor Hon Seriake Dickson joined his Ogun State counterpart to celebrate the monarch while captains of industry like Globacom Chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga, Jr, GCON, Otunba Subomi

Balogun and others too numerous to mention were in attendance. Inimitable Chief Commander Obey Fabiyi was on the bandstand to entertain guests. Oodles of nice words were said about the virtues and acts of the Awujale. Responding to the toast proposed by the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Adekoya, the Awujale has been described as Nigeria’s most generous personality whose milk of human kindness, philanthropy and compassion have been enjoyed by many human beings across the world.

The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba( Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona stated this in his response to the toast proposed by the

Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Adekoya at the grand finale of activities marking his 80th birthday held at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode on Saturday.  The monarch who has ruled Ijebuland for 54 years decried the practice of tagging those pointing out the ills of society as committing treason and advised government at all levels to always take constructive criticisms in good faith whilst cautioning government appointees against making inflammatory statements capable of heating up the polity.

He thanked the people of Ijebuland especially the Renaissance Group for a job well done and pledged to continue to serve humanity to the

best of his abilities. On sighting Globacom Chairman who sauntered in whilst he was speaking, Oba Adetona saluted him and enthused “ Adenuga is the most generous man in Nigeria today. This is my brother in whom I am well pleased. We need more of your activities in Ogun State. God will continue to give you the stamina, good health and grace. I thank you”.

Speaking earlier, Governor Ibikunle Amosun who named the recently constructed flyovers in Ijebu-Ode after Oba Adetona described the monarch as a colossus who typifies the finest and best in our traditional institution adding that “as a lover of

peace, Oba Adetona always ensures that peace reigned supreme whenever there were challenges”.

“Past Governors of Ogun State can attest to the fact that Kabiyesi uses his rich wealth of experience to offer guidance. I cannot achieve anything without the support of the Awujale. Please continue to guide and correct us when we are not doing it right”, Governor Amosun pleaded.

In his remarks on the occasion, President Goodluck Jonathan who spoke through his Chief of Staff, General Jones Arogbofa (rtd) appreciated Oba Adetona for his numerous stabilizing roles in peace entrenchment in the country and urged him to continue in his

detribalized fatherly roles to all irrespective of race, creed or religion. Here is wishing the iconic monarch many more fruitful years in good health, prosperity and long life. Want to know Oba Adetona’s birthday wish? Ijebu State noin, noin! No doubt!