By Bushrah Kaffi
Two former Governors of Oyo State, Senators Rashidi Ladoja and Abiola Ajimobi on Wednesday congratulated the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade 1 on his 94th birthday.
Ladoja, who is the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland described the Paramount ruler of Ogbomosoland, as a monarch with finesse.
In a statement by his media assistant, Alhaji Lanre Latinwo, the former Governor prayed that the Oba live more prosperous years to serve his people to the best of his ability.
Senator Ladoja also rejoiced with the people of Ogbomosoland for the development being witnessed during the reign of Oba Ajagungbade.
Also, Ajimobi, the immediate past Governor and Deputy National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), described the Soun as a living legend whose reign has brought peace and unity to Ogbomosoland and by extension Oyo State.
A statement by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser Communication and Strategy to the APC Deputy National Chairman (South) quoted Ajimobi as saying that clocking the enviable age of 94 is no mean achievement also considering the fact that the nonagenarian monarch still enjoys good health.
Ajimobi described the Imperial majesty as a highly respected and revered monarch who has been a stabilizing factor in the social and traditional institutions in Oyo State and Yorubaland. He described Oba Ajagungbade’s reign as the pivot for the giant developmental strides Ogbomoso and its surrounding towns have witnessed in recent time.
“With your nearly five decades on the throne of your forefathers, Kabiyesi, you have brought tremendous development to Ogbomosoland and its surrounding towns”, Ajimobi said.
According to Ajimobi, the Soun had always demonstrated total commitment to the sustenance of peace in Ogbomosoland and Oyo State in general.
“His love for his people have shown in the giant strides of Ogbomoso sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora. Though it is always said that uneasy lies the head that wears the crown, by carriage, achievements and astuteness, Kabiyesi has shown that he has been able to carry his subjects along on every steps he has taken since his ascension to the throne about 47 years ago.
“The monarchy is a labour intensive industry, to quote the former British Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, but Kabiyesi has laboured in love for his people and he has been accorded the necessary support that has allowed peace and tranquility to reign in his domain”.
