By BASHIR ADEFAKA
One of 16 Pelupelu in Ekiti State, the Attah of Aiyede Kingdom, Oba Alhaji AbdulMumini Adebayo Orishagbemi Arojojoye Abolokefa IV, was among eminent Nigerians, who seized the opportunity of 65th birthday of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, on Tuesday 24 August, 2021, to pay tributes to one of four most powerful monarchs in Africa, who he described as ‘My Spiritual Leader’.
Ekiti State is one Yoruba state where 16 traditional rulers, among hundreds, are equal in all ramifications and are not greater than one another. They are called the pelupelu and the Attah of Aiyede Kingdim is one of them.
Attah Orisagbemi, in his congratulatory message, said, “I am very happy to be identified with His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar as my spiritual leader. I wish him a happy birthday and many more years ahead in the service of Allah and humanity”.
By our checks, the Sultan would rather offer prayers to Allah, thanking Him for the great things He has done for him over the years and supplicate him for more, than rolling the drums to celebrate birthday as a religious leader.
Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, as a devout Muslim, does not celebrate his birthday but the occasion continues to provide opportunity for people to pay tributes to him in appreciation of quality contributions to Nigerian nation building.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, like many other dignitaries did, the Attah of Aiyede Ekiti described the Sultan as one of Nigeria’s most outstanding promoters of justice, unity, peace and harmony.
He said the royal father has endeared himself to all Nigerians of goodwill, regardless of cultural, religious or political persuasions, owing to his relentless pursuit of peace and ethno-religious harmony among the diverse people.
