President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu have in separate messages felicitated the traditional ruler of Ondo town in Ondo State, Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, the Osemawe of Ondo on the ocassion of his 70th birthday and 17th anniversary of coronation.
Tinubu goodwill message was made available to newsmen by the Chairman, Anniversary Planning Committee, Chief Steve Akinretoye.
In a personally-signed message to the monarch, the President described the Osemawe as an extraordinary agent of positive development.
Tinubu stated that the Ondo Kingdom has been witnessing positive social and economic transformation since Oba Kiladejo ascended the throne of his forebears in 2006.
The President’s message titled, ‘Congratulatory message on your birthday and coronation anniversaries’, read, “I write, with joy, to wish Your Imperial Majesty, happy 70th birthday and to congratulate you on your 17th Coronation Anniversary.
“I recall vividly what it looked like almost two decades ago, when Your Imperial Majesty was practically pulled out from your very successful private medical practice in Lagos, to mount the throne of your forefathers, as the Osemawé and Paramount Ruler of the Ondo Kingdom.
“It is evident that 17 years on, Your Imperial Majesty has filled that expansive office admirably, thus proving that the kingmakers of Ondo, obviously operating under divine inspiration, did not make a mistake in their unanimous choice of you as the next Osemawe. That was in the year 2006.
“Today, no one needs to go too far to encounter the evidence of your impactful reign over the Ondo Ekimogun people. They are visible all over the community, and touch practically all aspects of human endeavour.
“May I emphasize, Kabiyesi, that the Federal Government notes the support you have lent agencies, institutions, programmes, and government officials as they relate with your community over the years.
“We appreciate your commitment, to extending the frontiers of development engagements which you have so very well coordinated in your domain, and with your subjects, both at home and abroad, these past years.
“On a personal note, let me, once again, express my appreciation to you for the two letters of congratulations you so graciously sent to me upon my victory at the February polls, and later, my subsequent inauguration as President.”
On his part, the State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu pointed out that the Ondo Kingdom has continued to witness unprecedented development and unmatched peace since Oba Kiladejo was installed, 17 years ago.
In his letter titled, ‘Goodwill message on your imperial majesty’s platinum celebration’, Akeredolu said, “On behalf of myself and my wife, Betty, the government, and indeed the good people of Ondo State, I join other numerous well-wishers to extend our warmest felicitations to Your Imperial Majesty on the attainment of the enviable status of septuagenarian as well as on the occasion of your 17th Year on the throne of your forebears.
“Like many great things in life, the older they get the more enduring they become. That is – certainly very true of Your Majesty.
“In the last seventeen years as the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, the ancient city of Ondo has continued to witness unprecedented development and unmatched peace. It is on record that Your Majesty provided an unparalled leadership when you were the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas.
“Let me appreciate you, sir, for the good relationship between Kabiyesi and our government. Your counsel to our government from time to time has been found very invaluable and development focussed.
“It is our earnest prayer that Your Majesty will continue to enjoy good health and divine wisdom in providing the much needed leadership for Ondo Kingdom and Ondo State in general.
“It is my great pleasure to join other numerous Nigerians in wishing Your Majesty many more years of fruitful service to mankind.”
