Nigerian June 12 activists celebrates two legendary figures today: General Yakubu Gowon, former Head of State, marking 90 years, and Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife, turning 50.

The pro-democracy activists under the umbrella of the Coalition of Pro-Democracy Groups for A Better Nigeria in a statement issued at the weekend noted that General Gowon’s remarkable life has left an indelible mark on Nigeria. Becoming Head of State at 32, he navigated crucial periods, including the discovery of crude oil and the Nigerian civil war. They added that his enduring legacy extends beyond his tenure, as he continues to contribute to Nigeria’s growth.

The National Coordinator of the coalition, Comrade Awa Bamiji, who signed the statement hailed Gowon as a proud youth ambassador, noting his significant impacts since his tenure ended. Bamiji emphasized Gowon’s dedication to Nigeria’s progress.

On his part, the coalition observed that Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II’s visionary leadership has transformed Ile-Ife and beyond. According to them, as a renowned entrepreneur and youth advocate, he champions rural development, education and economic empowerment with generosity inspiring nationally and internationally.

Bamiji praised the Ooni’s selfless contributions, highlighting his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s youth. The group noted that Ooni’s golden statue tribute to Senator Oluremi Tinubu underscores his reverence for compassionate leadership.

The full statement reads:

Saturday, 19th October, 2024, former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), GCFR, clocked 90 years of age.

He became the Head of State, after a counter military coup d’e’tat which overthrew General Johnson Aguyi Ironsi in August 1, 1966, at a tender age of 32 years, making him the youngest military of Head of State in history, both in Nigeria and in the whole of Africa, as well as a proud Ambassador of Youths in Global Space

The crude Oil was discovered in Nigeria during his time and the period was described as Oil boom, which brought about rapid economic development. Also the Nigerian civil war, Biafran, broke out and it lasted 3 years, 1967 to 1970.

He was later overthrown by General Muritala Muhammed in 29 July, 1975, and since then till date, he continues making impacts in the polity as Elderstatesman

It is no longer news that His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, CFR, Ooni of Ife, clocked 50 years of age, last Thursday, 17 October, 2024.

This reverred Royal father in the black African Continent is an enterprenuer, a Youth, and a Youth Advocate that has been making Nigerian Youths proud by continuously making impacts across the ancient City of Ile – Ife, Osun State, Nigeria and at international level, far beyond everybody’s imagination

His unrivalled antecedent that gave him clearance to the Throne in 2015, has also been making Torrents of royal achievements easy

Ooni has contributed a lot to Rural development, Health, Education, Industrialisation, Youth empowerment, and economic emancipation of Ile – Ife, Yorubaland, Nigeria, and his kind gesture knows no bound and it is always being felt at most crucial periods by the teeming Beneficiaries.

In 2017, Prof Banji Akintoye solicited his royal support and that of our own civil Societies’ Coalition towards successful hosting of the Confrence of Ethnic Nationalities at Muson Centre, Lagos State, and with our collective sacrifice, at the end of the day, it turned out to be a great outing. I must at this time appreciate the background contributions of both Chief Bisi Akande and General Alani Akinrinade (Rtd) in facilitating Prof Banji Akintoye’s personal meeting with me as Coordinator of June 12 Activists at that crucial period of time.

Kabiyesi Ooni of Ife also donated Ojaja Arena, Ile – Ife, and its Guest Rooms in the same premises for the befitting civil Societies’ celebration of the funeral ceremony of our dear Brother, friend and partner in progress, Comrade Yinka Odumakin, late Publicity Secretary of Afenifere in the year 2021.

The first edition of Southwest Regional Security Summit was held in Ojaja Arena, Ile – Ife, in March, this year, and generous donations of Kabiyesi to the success of the Summit were unequal to none.

Earlier in the month, while Ooni unveiled a golden statue in honour of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the latter inaugurated three key infrastructural projects: a 2.7-kilometer road named after her, and the Ojaja male and female students’ hostels and pavilion, all executed by the traditional ruler, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, in commemoration of his 50th Birthday, where the monarch described the First Lady as a compassionate, devoted, and caring woman with a heart for God.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who lamented the state of infrastructure at the institution, pledged support to help restore its glory, committing N1 billion from the Renewed Hope Initiative. She also called on the wives of state governors to lend a helping hand.

The First Lady, an Alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, was presented with various paintings by a group of orphans and former street boys and men being reintegrated into society by the Ooni of Ife.

All these had now made the Honour bestowed on First Lady in Ile – Ife evergreen in memory of Nigeria as a Nation, that of Africa as a Continent, and to the continued admiration of the whole World.

To both Global Legends, we say many Happy Returns!

Comrade Awa Bamiji
National Coordinator
Coalition of Pro – Democracy Groups for A Better Nigeria