Dr. Senator Kola Balogun, a member of the Ninth National Assembly, has felicitated the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi, Ige Olakulehin I, on his attainment of 90 years on earth.
This was contained in a press statement personally signed by the Distinguished Senator and younger brother to the predecessor of Oba Olakuleyin, the late Dr. Sen. Lekan Balogun, CFR, Alli Okunmade II, on Saturday.
Senator Balogun praised God for being graceful to the foremost Ibadan traditional ruler.
He remarked: “Kabiyesi, you have come this far by the special grace of your creator and it is a thing of joy to all genuine sons and daughters of Ibadanland both at home and in the diaspora that He keeps Your Majesty for us.
“As the father of all, Kabiyesi remains our collective beacon of hope, the custodian of our cherished tradition and culture.
“We are grateful to the Almighty God for preserving our unique traditional system in Ibadan which is the envy of all and it is my prayer that God will continue to renew the strength of Kabiyesi as His Majesty advances in age,” he added.
The politician recalled that his relationship with Oba Olakuleyin dated back to years before the emergence of his late brother as the Olubadan which further brought them closer.
Senator Balogun described the Olubadan as a loving and friendly father, highly disciplined and forthright, attributes which he said have kept the monarch going and waxing stronger, even in his well advanced age.
He expressed gratitude to the immediate members of the monarch’s family for the proper and good care being given to the head of the Ibadan traditional institution.
“It is my prayer that our God will grant Kabiyesi more years on earth in good, robust and sound health to further lead and guide our traditional institution in Ibadanland.
“Happy birthday, Your Imperial Majesty, ‘Igba odun, odun kan’!,” Senator Balogun further prayed.
