President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji and his Lagos State counterpart, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday hailed the Chairman, Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Lagos State, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, as a true democrat and a nation builder who deserved to be celebrated.
The President and the two governors gave the commendation in Ado- Ekiti during Prince Olusi’s installation as Atobatele of Ado-Ekiti by HRM Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, at the Ewi’s palace, Ado- Ekiti.
Speaking at the colourful ceremony, President Tinubu, who was represented by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described Prince Olusi as a “true democrat” whose selfless service and commitment to good governance have made a lasting impact on the Nigeria political landscape.
Commending Prince Olusi’s contributions to democratic and national development, the President praised the octogenarian politician for his steadfast dedication to unity and progress of the country, stressing that his life is a testament to true leadership and patriotism .
“Let me just say on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I congratulate Prince Tajudeen Olusi who has been honoured here today. Prince Olusi is someone who is loved and revered by the President. This is not only a honour to Prince Olusi, it is also an honour to Lagos State and Yoruba land.
“As far as we are concerned, this is also a lesson to all of us that we should do only those things that will promote the unity of Nigeria.” the President asserted
Governor Oyebanji, in his remarks, hailed Prince Olusi as a distinguished leader who has played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s democracy.
The Governor noted that the chieftaincy title conferred on the elder statesman is a befitting recognition of his decades of selfless service to the nation.
While emphasizing that the conferment reflects wisdom of the traditional institution in celebrating deserving individuals, Governor Oyebanji said Prince Olusi’s integrity, leadership, and commitment to the welfare of the people are truly exemplary.
“You are revered in Lagos and it speaks to the kind of person you are. On behalf of the government and people of Ekiti State, we congratulate you on this well deserved honour and when I look at the calibre of entourage from Lagos led by the Governor himself, that speaks to the kind of person Baba is. He is a model of humility, one of the few progressive politicians still standing today and he has mentored a lot of people”, the Governor added.
Also speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described Prince Olusi as a unifying figure whose influence extends beyond Lagos State, adding that his commitment to fostering unity and progress has set a benchmark for leadership across the nation.
Governor Sanwo-Olu Described the conferment as honour done to Lagos State and Yoruba land, stressing that Prince Olusi is not just a leader but a builder of structure that promotes growth and stability.
“We just witnessed the traditional installation ceremony of one of our leading political fathers, not only in Lagos or Southwest but in Nigeria, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, a Lagos prince now the Atobatele of Ado-Ekiti, we are indeed happy and this has shown that, first the diversity in accepting the cultural relevance of the two states and it is also an opportunity to thank and acknowledge him. Not only he is one of our political fathers, he is also a man that has earned his place, Sanwo-Olu said.
The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, while conferring the title of Atobatele on Prince Olusi said conferment of traditional titles on illustrious sons of Ado-Ekiti and other individuals are done in recognition of their exceptional leadership and sundry contribution to society, adding that the awards are not merely ceremonial but are meant to build bridges between the past and the present as well as the capacity of traditional institutions to cope with modern challenges.
Oba Adejugbe affirmed that the review of the awardee’s educational and cultural credentials, and his contribution to society attested to his leadership qualities, among other considerations that made the Ewi- in -Council unanimously adjudge him worthy of the exalted title and to be traditionally celebrated by Ado-Ekiti kingdom.
The frontline traditional ruler stressed that the lifelong impact of Prince Olusi can be seen in the advancement of education, in community service, and in cultural development having helped in the modernization of traditional curricula, such that both the moral and intellectual aspects of Islamic education are adequately addressed.
In his response, the new Atobatele of Ado Ekiti, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, who expressed his gratitude to Oba Adejugbe and Ewi-in-Council for honouring him with the chieftaincy title, said the recognition would further strengthen his resolve to mentor the next generation of leaders and work tirelessly for the unity and prosperity of the Yoruba land and the country at large
Describing the honour as a significant milestone in his life and a testament to the enduring values of service, unity, and leadership, Prince Olusi stated that the conferment represents a deep cultural ties and shared values that bind the Yoruba people and promote harmony across the nation.