Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, HRM Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, Aladesanmi III, on his 80th birthday and the 35th anniversary of his ascension to the throne.
The Governor in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, described the two landmark celebrations as uncommon double blessing for the royal father and a reward from the Almighty God who has singled him out for special favour.
Oyebanji who described Oba Adejugbe as a history maker and a monarch of immense impact, said the octogenarian monarch deserves to be celebrated for his contribution to the growth of Ado- Ekiti as a befitting capital city and to the evolution and development of Ekiti State as a political entity.
The Governor who recalled the pivotal role of Oba Adejugbe in the struggle for the creation of Ekiti State alongside other Ekiti patriots noted that the monarch made huge sacrifices to make the dream a reality noting that history would always be kind to him for the feat.
He described the Ewi as a father, a mentor, an adviser and a repository of wisdom and knowledge who is readily available whenever valuable counsel is needed in the task to take the state to greater heights.
Oyebanji described the 35 years of Oba Adejugbe on the throne as the golden era and the most glorious chapter in the history of Ado Ekiti which he noted has grown in leaps and bounds and has become a mega city
He further acknowledged the royal father as the rallying point of peace, unity and harmony which has encouraged indigenes of Ado Ekiti at home and in Diaspora to contribute to the development of their home city in particular and Ekiti State in general.
According to him, Oba Adejugbe has sufficiently and diligently discharged his duty as the custodian of the culture and tradition of the people of Ado Ekiti and has earned both national and global respect for his communal strides and brought prominence to the throne he occupies.
While noting that Oba Adejugbe has immortalized himself in the hearts of his people, the Governor said the celebrant has bequeathed worthy and indelible legacies that will always be remembered by all and sundry in years to come.
The Governor prayed God to grant the revered traditional ruler long life, sound health and more glorious years on the throne of his forefathers for him to continue to offer impactful service to his kingdom in particular, Ekiti State and Nigeria in general.
