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Civil society organisations (CSOs), under the umbrella of the Coaliton of Pro-Democracy Groups for A Better Nigeria, have felicitated the new Olubadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, ahead of his coronation in June.

The also celebrated other Yoruba personalities for their appointment into the Board of some tertiary institutions. The personalities include Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrasheed Olabomi, the Chairman, Adeyemi Federal College of Education, Ondo State; Ekiti State born legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, as Pro – Chancellor of University of Lagos; Prof Attahiru Jega; past two Speakers, Osun State House of Assembly, Rt (Hon) Prof Mojeed Alabi and Timothy Owoeye; Barrister Zainab Buba Marwa; Yusuf Alli, Dr Saka Layoonu; Honourables Bosun Oyintiloye, Jibola Famurewa, Nike Omoworare, Rotimi Makinde; Honourable Ade Adetimehin; foremost Prof of History, Siyan Oyeweso, Chiarman, Federal University of Lokoja; Honourables Sunday Akere, Ayo Afolabi, Hon Tunde Olatunji, and host of others.

In a statement signed by the National Coordinator of the Coalition, Comrade Awa Bamiji, the civil society organisations said that “It’s with great pleasure that Ibadan and in deed, Yorubaland, are warning up for coronation of new Olubadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, which is slated to take place in June, by God’s grace.

“Becoming Olubadan of Ibadanland is by sheer destiny and we thank “Olodumare”, the God Almighty, that made this day possible for this illustrious Son of Ibadanland, seasoned Administrator, Grassroot Mobiliser and Elderstatesman, to reach this historic stage of breakthrough in his lifetime.

“We therefore, pray that Ibadanland and in deed, Yorubaland, which Ibadan had served as Political Headquarters, witness peaceful environment, uncommon progress and rapid development during his reign as next, 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

“While wishing you sound health, longer life and prosperity, we are also pledging our unfliching support to your kingdom”, the Coalition said.

On Tertiary Institutions’ Board Appointments, the Coalition said they are “felicitating with all our lucky winners, 555 eminent personalities across Nigeria, that are appointed into Boards of various Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria.

“Among whom are our Mentor and Royal father, Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrasheed Olabomi, Chairman, Adeyemi Federal College of Education, Ondo State; Ekiti State born legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, as Pro – Chancellor of University of Lagos; Prof Attahiru Jega; former 2 Speakers, Osun State House of Assembly, Rt (Hon) Prof Mojeed Alabi and Timothy Owoeye; Barrister Zainab Buba Marwa; Yusuf Alli, Dr Saka Layoonu; Honourables Bosun Oyintiloye, Jibola Famurewa, Nike Omoworare, Rotimi Makinde; Honourable Ade Adetimehin; foremost Prof of History, Siyan Oyeweso, Chiarman, Federal University of Lokoja; Honourables Sunday Akere, Ayo Afolabi, Hon Tunde Olatunji and host of others.

“With their track records of accomplishments, we don’t have any iota of fear or doubt on their ability to deliver on the mandate given to them.

“We congratulate our dear Brothers, friends and Partners in Progress for Decades on the occasion of their Birthdays. Former Secretary to Government of Oyo State and now Senator, Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli @ 60; former Consultant, Federal Ministry of Transport, FCT, Abuja, who doubles as former Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, Comrade Kayode Opeifa; a foundation member of CDHR and its first National publicity Secretary, based in Lagos State, Shina Loremikan @ 60; Ibadan North Grassroot Mobiliser of Decades, Honourable Shina Alabi @ 60.

“Today, we celebrate your numerous achievements, various days of Birth and brighter future ahead of you all.

“Our very first meetings have always been ever memorable and our subsequent days were highly eventful, up till date. To you all, our wonderful Brothers and Democracy Soldiers in Nigeria, we say many Happy Returns!”

The Coalition painfully remembered the death of His Royal Majesty, Architect (Dr) King Adeen Aderemi Adedapo Saporoyo I, Olojudo Alayemore of Ido Osun, Osun State, who passed on at the age of 77 years.

According to the Coalition, he was “an Engineer to the Traditional Council and promotion of Culture and Tradition, not only in Yorubaland or Nigeria as a Country but in the whole of Africa Continent.

“He was our Mentor of Decades, who still performed same role during our last meeting in University of Ibadan (UI), about 10 days to his exit.

“Until his death, our later Teacher, Mentor and Kabiyesi was the only Royal father in Nigeria with full continental rank within Africa. He was Secretary, Yoruba Traditional Council, Secretary, Board of Trustees (BoT), National Traditional Council of Nigeria with Sultan of Sokoto and Ooni of Ife as Co – Chairmen, and Convener, African Traditional Council.

“May his soul rest in peace”, the Coalition prayed.