Olubadan
By Suleiman Shehu
Ibadan, Aug. 14, 2018 (NAN) A medical outreach, distribution of food items, interdenominational Christian Service and Muslim prayer are among activities being organised to mark the 90th birthday anniversary of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
The Chairman of the Anniversary planning Committee, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, made this known at a news conference at the Olubadan’s palace at Popoyemoja in Ibadan on Tuesday.
Adedoja said that the week-long celebration would start on Aug. 19 and end on Aug. 26.
He said that over 250 medical personnel would be available in 50 centres on Aug. 23, to be supervised by five personnel each for a medical outreach for the generality of indigenes and residents of Ibadan land.
Adedoja said that the celebration would also feature the distribution of various food items to the needy by the monarch on Aug. 20 and the conferment of chieftaincy titles to deserving persons on Aug. 25.
He said that the celebration would end with a Muslim prayer on Aug. 26.
According to him, no fewer than 120 traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, have signified interest to attend the celebration.
He said that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, governors, politicians and other personalities within and outside the country were expected also to grace the occasion.
Adedoja said that the Olubadan deserved an elaborate birthday celebration because he is loved by many within and outside Nigeria, adding that the essence of the event was to thank God for the opportunity given him to live a qualitative long life.
‘‘It is also to celebrate Ibadan and its diverse people and to pray for the unity and stability of Nigeria.
‘‘God has blessed the past Olubadan with long life and Oba Adetunji is the 41st Olubadan that is blessed with longevity of life, which is not a right but a privilege.
‘‘The important key to longevity is to avoid worry, stress and tension which Oba Adetunji has been doing.’’
Adedoja said that Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo had given moral and financial support for a befitting birthday celebration for the monarch not only because he believed in Oba Adetunji but also as a true son of Ibadan land.
(NAN)
SYS/MOL/NKO
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Nkechi Okoronkwo