By Prince Femi Dokunmu
Nigeria – Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle MFR, has marked his 58th Birthday on Wednesday, 4th December with notable personalities eulogizing his vision, wisdom, courage and commitment to excellence in leadership and the well-being of his people.
Although Oba Olugbenle, who is also the current Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, had a quiet event, the monarch received many goodwill messages from personalities and notable Yewa groups including the number one citizen of Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun; the Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola; the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Kunle Salako; Member, Federal Character Commission, Hon. Kayode Oladele; the Yewa Think Tank and the Yewa People Development Council, among others.
In his goodwill message, Governor Dapo Abiodun described Oba Olugbenle’s reign as “a beacon of wisdom, unity and progress not only for the people of Yewaland but for the entire Ogun State”.
“Your unwavering dedication to the preservation of our cultural heritage and your steadfast commitment to the welfare of your people have continued to inspire all’, he said, adding, ‘I pray that the Almighty God continues to bless you with good health, long life and the strength to further lead your people with grace and vision”.
In his goodwill message, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola told Oba Olugbenle that his visionary leadership, dedication to peace and commitment to the progress of Yewaland have been a source of pride and inspiration to all, adding that his developmental strides have brought significant growth to Yewaland and Ogun State, at large.
In a similar vein, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Kunle Salako wrote; “Kabiyesi, you have been playing the role of father to all in a most admirable way and your consistent strive for socioeconomic and political development of Yewaland have inspired other traditional rulers’.
According to Honourable Kayode Oladele, Oba Olugbenle is a “highly revered Royal father, visionary ruler and monarch of immense pedigree who has combined great anointing as a man of God with royalty to impact positively on the lives of his people and the sociopolitical development of Yewaland”.
A foremost association comprising elites and technocrats of Yewa origin, the Yewa Think Tank, opined; “since your ascension to the throne, Ilaro and Yewaland have continued to witness remarkable transformation and unprecedented development under your leadership and royal guidance”.
The Yewa People Development Council (YPDC), an umbrella body of mega associations in Yewaland, also rejoiced with Oba Olugbenle, noting, “we attest to your vision and development plan for Yewaland, with your unwavering commitment, wisdom, leadership style and tenacity of purpose giving us hope of an irreversible transformation and development in Yewaland”.
In all the tributes, the reference to Oba Olugbenle’s vision, wisdom, commitment and love for his people’s well-being and cultural heritage resonates, indicating a trend of admiration and respect for the Olu’s royal attributes and leadership qualities, not only among Yewa people but also across Ogun State and beyond.
Prince Femi Dokunmu, is Media Consultant to Olu and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland.
