Oyebanji, Alaafin praise Tinubu’s leadership on 74th birthday

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, have congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his 74th birthday, describing him as a transformative leader whose political legacy continues to shape Nigeria’s development.

Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, hailed the President as a genuine lover of the people, a pathfinder and a selfless leader committed to the sustainable development of the country.

He commended Tinubu for dedicating his life to the defence of democracy and service to the nation in various capacities, noting that such commitment had come with significant sacrifice.

The governor said, “President Tinubu is a man of history with many golden chapters as a professional in the corporate world, a boardroom guru, astute politician, pro-democracy activist and the arrowhead of a movement that fought for the restoration of democratic rule in the country.”

Oyebanji described the President as an uncommon gift and a treasure to the nation, adding that “Tinubu’s footprints remain bold at the subnational and national levels as a Senator in the Third Republic, two-term governor of Lagos State and currently the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic, who continues to lead and inspire the citizens with courage and impactful policies and reforms.”

He added that Ekiti State and its citizens remain grateful for the President’s support and the positive impact of his policies.

The governor said, “On behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, I wish the President a happy 74th birthday and a lifetime of bliss. Ekiti people remain appreciative of the President’s development strides and are supportive of his various reforms which have brought better life to the people.

“Our prayer is that God Almighty continues to guide his decisions as he continues to lead the country on the path of greatness and shared prosperity.”

Similarly, the Alaafin of Oyo, Akeem Owoade, described Tinubu as a defining political figure whose story reflects resilience, vision and enduring influence.

In a congratulatory message issued through his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch said the President stands out in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic for building a lasting political structure.

He said, “Tinubu is not flawless, and he might not be universally loved. But his political story is a phenomenon worth studying. In a democracy where many fade after one term, he has remained relevant for a quarter of a century. That endurance is no accident. It is proof that leadership, when matched with vision and structure, can outlast storms.

“In contemporary Nigerian history, the President is recognised for his resilience, political acumen, and efforts toward national transformation.

“President Tinubu’s story is not just political history, it is a study in structure, loyalty, and resilience. In a Fourth Republic where many political ‘giants’ rose and fell quickly, Tinubu has been the constant, more like the builder whose network has outlived terms, quarrels, and federal pressure.”

The monarch also highlighted Tinubu’s record as a former governor of Lagos State and senator, as well as his current role as President, noting that his reforms aimed at economic stability and infrastructure development are commendable.

Owoade added, “He is indeed an audacious, visionary leader and a statesman reputed for his commitment to democracy, having championed democratic ideals throughout his career, from his activism against military rule to his current presidency.

“As the President marks this milestone, his ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ will reshape Nigeria’s global identity and set the nation on a steady path to prosperity.”