The Deji and Paramount rule of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II and some notable leaders in Akure at the weekend paid a courtesy visit to a Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, at his Hill top mansion in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.
The monarch, who was on a familiarisation visit to the Olusegun Osoba Hilltop in Abeokuta, described the former President as a gift to the Yoruba nation, Nigeria and the entire World.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Chief Press Secretary to the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Mr. Michael Adeyeye, a copy of which was emailed to The DEFENDER on Friday.
Oba Aladelusi, according to the statement, lamented that since the exit from Federal cabinet of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Olu Falae, no Akure indigene had been appointed at the Federal level either as a Minister or Chairman of any Federal Board.
He then appealed to the former President to assist in pushing for Akure indigenes’ appointment by the present administration in the country.
Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, a former United States of America-based industrialist, has made the interest of his people of Akure Kingdom a big priority since he became Oba a couple of years ago.
Responding, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo congratulated Oba Aladelusi for transforming Akure and for the peace being enjoyed since he ascended the throne of his forebears.
Obasanjo said, “I have read much about you and how you have been setting the pace among other traditional rulers to ensure peace prevails.”
“I can see that you are a lover of your people and leaving no stone unturned at ensuring the development of your people.”
Recalling his good working relationship with the Akure community, Chief Obasanjo described Akure as his second home and that he remains an integral part of Akure.
Considering the number of highly intelligent and qualified sons and daughters of Akure as well as the strategic position which Akure holds, the former President said that the visiting monarch’s concern was valid and should be supported by everyone to promote inclusiveness.
Chief Obasanjo thanked the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, for the visit and promised to pay similar visit to his palace.
Oba Aladetoyinbo used the occasion of the visit to congratulate Chief Obasanjo on his 80th birthday celebration.
Oba Aladetoyinbo, who had earlier seized the visit to congratulate Chief Obasanjo on his 80th birthday anniversary, was accompanied on the tour of Ogun State by his high chiefs and other notable indigenes of Akure including the newly appointed Secretary to the Ondo State Government (SSG), Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde and a former United Kingdom Coordinator of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, Engr. Tunji Ariyomo.
Others included a former Commissioner in the immediate past administration in Ondo State, Hon. Dayo Awude, a member of the House of Assembly, Hon. Kemisola Adesanya, Leadership of the Akure Community Development Forum led by Chief Luyi Rotimi, a Lagos-based business magnate Engr. Sunday Falae, among others.
