President Bola Tinubu has conferred Nigeria’s 2nd most prestigious National Honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on the paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetuna.
Tinubu conferred the honour of the traditional ruler on Friday, at a ceremony to celebrate the 90th birthday of the royal father, held on the main campus of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, in Ogun State.
The event also marked the 64th anniversary of the traditional ruler, who mounted the throne of his ancestors in 1960 at the age of 26.
Represented by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the President extolled the sterling virtues of the royal father.
He said the honour was bestowed on the nonagenarian in recognition of his long life of service to his people and the nation.
” Oba Sikiru Adetuna is a well respected monarch, not just in Ogun State or Nigeria but beyond. We are today honouring him for his meaningful contribution to nationhood.”
Tinubu directed the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies Kuru, Plateau, to take over the management of the School of Governance Studies, a postgraduate learning department established by the Oba at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago Iwoye, Ogun.
” In recognition of his support for education, I have directed the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, to take over the management of the postgraduate School of Governance Studies,” said the President.”
Tinubu also acknowledged the role played by Oba Adetuna in the enthronement of democracy and good governance in Nigeria.
“He is a very courageous person that confronted injustice and fought for the restoration of democracy on our counter,”
Earlier, Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, had commended the commitment of the celebrant to good governance by sponsoring the establishment of a school of good governance studies in the state.
According to him, Oba Sikiru Adetuna is a promoter of religious harmony and justice.
While pouring encomium on the traditional ruler, Abiodun said: “Baba is a champion, a builder and a conqueror.”
“I am indebted to him for his unwavering support for my administration,” he added.
The governor said as a show of support, all Permanent Secretaries in the Ogun State Civil Service would be the first set of students at the Oba Sikiru Adetuna School of Governance Studies.
Also, former Gov. Olusegun Osoba of Ogun, who proposed a toast for the celebrant, praised his hard work and dedication to serving his people.
Newsspecng reports that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, presided over the cutting of the 90th birthday cake by Oba Adetuna.
The highpoint of the event was the unveiling of a book titled “Reinventing Governance in Nigeria; The Oba Sikiru Adetuna Model.”
Other dignitaries that graced the historic occasion included Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Sen. Gbenga Daniel, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, among others.
