Tinubu, Oyebanji Praise Ewi at 80th Birthday Thanksgiving, Assure Nigerians of Victory Over Insecurity

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By Ojo Ayodeji

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Sunday paid glowing tributes to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, as the foremost monarch marked his 80th birthday and 35th coronation anniversary.

The thanksgiving service, held at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Ado-Ekiti, drew prominent traditional rulers, political leaders and dignitaries from within and outside Ekiti State.

President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, described the Ewi as a globally respected traditional ruler whose reign has brought honour, stability and cultural value to Ado-Ekiti and the entire state.

The President noted that Oba Adejugbe’s leadership style has earned admiration across Nigeria and beyond, stressing that his integrity, wisdom and commitment to peaceful coexistence stand him out among traditional rulers.

According to Tinubu, the monarch’s contributions to the promotion of unity, cultural heritage and community development “remain unmatched and widely celebrated throughout Yorubaland and across the nation.”

In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji described the Ewi as a principled leader, father figure and custodian of Ekiti traditions. He said the monarch’s wise counsel has been instrumental to the peace and progress enjoyed in the state.

The Governor highlighted the role of the Ewi in the struggle for the creation of Ekiti State, recalling the sacrifices and efforts made by the monarch and other leaders during that period.

Oyebanji also expressed optimism that Nigeria will soon overcome its security challenges, saying the ongoing efforts of President Tinubu’s administration are already producing positive results. He urged citizens to remain confident, noting that the country has the capacity to defeat all forms of criminality.

He appealed to residents of Ekiti and Nigerians at large to go about their daily activities without fear, assuring that reforms in the nation’s security architecture will make communities safer.

Dignitaries at the event included Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye; Wife of the Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji; former Governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; former NBA President, Chief Wole Olanipekun; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; and several traditional rulers.