Alaafin, Ooni to Oyinlola: Yoruba nation will never forget you

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and Ooni of Ife have jointly described  former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola that his loyalty to the Yoruba nation and support for Its culture and the traditional institution as well as his achievements in public office will make the Yoruba nation never to forget him.

In a separate statement by Oba Adeyemi, he stated this in his goodwill message to Oyinlola on his 70th birthday coming up on Wednesday, 3 February, 2021 that his loyalty to his people and the Yoruba nation will always makes him one of the best amongst his peers.

Tha Alaafin, in the statement titled: "Tribute to Omooba Pataki, Olagunsoye Asola Oyinlola at 70," said the former governor had "in the last 70 years...seen the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of life but had "successfully weathered all storms. You are, no doubt, a courageous and dependable leader in good and challenging times."

While noting the support which Oyinlola has been giving the Yoruba nation, culture and the obaship institution since his taking public office, Oba Adeyemi said "God will continue to honour you and the Yoruba nation will never forget you."

He told Oyinlola further that "your meritorious service to the nation is impeccable, exemplary and inspiring. In all the national assignments you have graciously handled, you have established yourself as a man of character and as a contented personality who cannot be destroyed by the spoils of office.

"Above all, you are a true embodiment of African royalty. I salute you for your contributions to the preservation and promotion of Yoruba culture as well as the promotion of the traditional institution. May your life

continue to be beneficial to Okuku Community, Osun State, Yorubaland and the nation at large.  

"In the words of Augustus William Hare and Julius Charles Hare “In a mist, the heights can, for the most part, see each other; but the valleys cannot”. Certainly, we have seen many times above the mists of life and on those heights, honors have been bestowed. Within and beyond the shores of Nigeria, you have deservedly received honors and blazed the trail of excellence. 

As you celebrate your 70th birthday, I am hopeful that the people of Okuku andOsun State in general would roll out the drums to celebrate you as their former Governor with impeccable record of service."

In another development, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, has described a former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola as a motivation for all young people struggling for breakthroughs.

The Ooni who said this in his goodwill message to Prince Oyinlola on his 70th birthday coming up on Wednesday,  stressed that the former governor's "birth, upbringing and achievements in life despite losing his parents at a very young age is a lesson and, indeed, a motivation to all

young people out there struggling for breakthrough that everything is possible."

Oba Ogunwusi said that while celebrating the fortunes of Prince Oyinlola, "it is pertinent to state that he created the future he is enjoying today through the dint of hard work, persistence and consistence of yesterday which are worthy of emulation.

"This great man of countless good parts has always lived a life of service to humanity, including his days as a gallant soldier in the Nigeria Army. He served meritoriously and never missed any promotional cycle until he retired in 1999 as a well decorated Brigadier General.

"The good works of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola during his days as the military administrator of Lagos State, stand out as an unbeatable legacy and this is the reason why his name is written in gold among distinguished founding fathers of Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial capital.

"Back home in Osun where he served as  executive Governor, Olagunsoye defined leadership uniquely through the provision of basic amenities, enhancement of youth and human capital development, as well as the immeasurable respect given to the ancient traditional institution.

"The prominent Osun State University, which aside from being the only State University in Osun is equally the first multi-campus institution in Nigeria, is one among Oyinlola led-government’s achievements in the state," the Ooni said.

While wishing him a long life, the Ooni said he had no doubt that Oyinlola would continue in his services to Nigeria, Osun State and the Yoruba race. 

The birthday celebrations will be a  2-day event which will comply strictly with COVID-19 protocols. There will be a thanksgiving service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos on 3rd February 2021 at 11am. This will be followed by another Thanksgiving Service at the Oba Oyinlola Memorial Anglican Church, Okuku, on Saturday 6th February at 10am for well wishers from Osun State and the environs.

Expected at the celebrations are leaders across the country including former presidents, governors, ex-governors, other political leaders, captains of industry and religious leaders of all persuasions. 

Due to COVID-19 pandemic concerns, a reception earlier planned for the Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos and other social events earlier scheduled for Okuku, Osun State have been put off.