The President, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Gen. Jones Arogbofa at Oba Adetona 80th birthday ceremony held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun, appealed to the monarch’s subjects to continue to support him.
Jonathan said: “Kabiyesi, I deeply appreciate all you have done for this land and the nation as you have contributed enormously to the development of government.
“I want to thank all the people of Ijebuland for the manner in which they have worked with you especially in allowing peace to reign during your time.
“You are loved because of your fatherly leadership which has allowed peace to reign.
“You are an example to us, this is our country, we have no other and together we shall make it great.
The president, who apologised for his absence at the event, re-affirmed his commitment to the development of the nation in all areas of human endeavours.
Oba Adetona clocked 80 years on Saturday, having being the paramount ruler of Ijebuland for 54 years.
In his response, Oba Adetona said that the success of his reign and the peace enjoyed in Ijebuland would not have been possible without the support of the people.
He urged Nigerian leaders to learn to tolerate one another and give room for freedom of expression.
“People should be free to express their opinions the way they see it in the interest of the nation.
“Leaders should strive to see the substance of any criticism.
“That is the only way we can advance as a nation and for peace to reign,” the Awujale said.
In his remarks, former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, thanked Allah for granting the monarch the strength and wisdom to rule.
“You have always been there for us, past and present governments can attest to this and we thank you deeply for this gesture.
“To have spent 54 years on the throne is not an easy task and the people must be commended for supporting your tenure to be successful,” Buhari said.
Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun praised Oba Adetona for using his wealth of experience in assisting the state government confront its challenges.
“I thank everyone for honouring Kabiyesi today. He is a colossus who represents the finest and best in the traditional institution.
“He ensures that there is peace in the state and to honour him, we shall name the flyover in Ijebu-Ode after him.
“The flyover, which is the first to be constructed in Ijebuland, shall be named Oba S.K. Adetona Bridge in honour and legacy of the great king,” Amosun said.
Also speaking, Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa, praised the monarch for his good works and wished him many peaceful years on the throne.
Other dignitaries who attended the ceremony included business tycoons, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Otunba Subomi Balogun, Chief Razak Okoya and Otunba Mike Adenuga.
Also in attendance were the former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and former governors of Ogun, Chief Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Nasir El-Rufai and Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina also attended the ceremony. (NAN)
