Oyebanji, Alaafin of Oyo celebrate Tinubu at 74, laud enduring political legacy

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, have congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 74th birthday, describing him as a transformative and visionary leader whose political journey continues to shape Nigeria’s democratic and developmental landscape.

In separate congratulatory messages issued on Saturday, the governor and the revered monarch paid glowing tributes to the President’s decades-long involvement in public service, democratic advocacy and governance reforms.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji described President Tinubu as a genuine lover of the people, a pathfinder and a selfless leader committed to Nigeria’s sustainable development.

He commended the President for dedicating much of his life to defending democracy and serving the nation in various capacities, noting that such commitment required sacrifice and resilience.

“President Tinubu is a man of history with many golden chapters as a professional in the corporate world, a boardroom guru, astute politician, pro-democracy activist and the arrowhead of a movement that fought for the restoration of democratic rule in the country,” the governor stated.

Oyebanji described the President as an uncommon gift and treasure to the nation, adding that his footprints remain indelible at both subnational and national levels.

He highlighted Tinubu’s political trajectory — from his role as a Senator during the Third Republic to serving as a two-term governor of Lagos State and now as President and Commander-in-Chief — noting that his leadership continues to inspire citizens through impactful policies and reforms.

The Ekiti governor further expressed appreciation for the President’s support to the state and the positive outcomes of his administration’s policies.

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“On behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, I wish the President a happy 74th birthday and a lifetime of bliss. Ekiti people remain appreciative of the President’s development strides and are supportive of his various reforms which have brought better life to the people,” he said.

He also prayed for divine guidance for the President as he steers the country toward shared prosperity and national greatness.

Similarly, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, described President Tinubu as a defining figure in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, whose political resilience and enduring influence set him apart.

In a congratulatory message issued through his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch said Tinubu’s sustained relevance in Nigeria’s political space for over two decades reflects vision, structure and strategic leadership.

“Tinubu is not flawless, and he might not be universally loved. But his political story is a phenomenon worth studying. In a democracy where many fade after one term, he has remained relevant for a quarter of a century. That endurance is no accident. It is proof that leadership, when matched with vision and structure, can outlast storms,” the monarch said

Alaafin noted that in contemporary Nigerian history, the President is recognised for his resilience, political acumen and consistent efforts toward national transformation.

Describing him as a builder whose political network has endured terms in office, internal disagreements and federal pressures, the monarch said Tinubu’s career offers lessons in loyalty, strategy and long-term vision.

Oba Owoade also highlighted Tinubu’s record as a former governor of Lagos State and senator, as well as his current leadership as President, noting that ongoing reforms targeting economic stability and infrastructure development are commendable.

“He is indeed an audacious, visionary leader and a statesman reputed for his commitment to democracy, having championed democratic ideals throughout his career, from his activism against military rule to his current presidency,” the monarch added.