President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday visited Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amidst tight security to rejoice with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odugade Odulana on his Centenary Birthday anniversary, describing the royal father as a man of impeccable character, whose tenure has been peaceful.
He said: “Oba Odulana is a man of impeccable character, whose tenure has witnessed peace and tranquility. To reach 100 years in life is a blessing.” While recalling the monarch’s role during a conference held before the country’s independence in 1960, President Jonathan apologised for his inability to be at the Church service held on Monday due to the bomb blast in Abuja, stating that he had been willing to see Nigerians who share the same birthday with the country.
According to him, the attainment of 100 years by the Olubadan is unique as it was not easy to reach the age. He said he was unable to visit the monarch last year when he celebrated his 99 years birthday, but had promised to be with him during the centenary celebration, which he noted had been made possible.
He prayed to be with the monarch next year for another celebration.
Earlier, the monarch, who spoke through the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Omowale Kuye, said Oba Odulana was the first to attain 100 years of age, not only in Nigeria, but Africa.
He lauded President Jonathan for the way he had been handling the country’s affairs, stating that he had done well by conveying the ongoing National Conference
The President who arrived Ibadan at exactly 3.15 p.m. in a Presidential aircraft marked NAF 5N FGT was accompanied by the Senate President, Senator David Mark and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha who were conveyed in another jet marked NAF 5N-FGV, which landed a few minutes earlier at 2.55pm.
Also on the President’s entourage was the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mua’zu, and Presidential spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati.
Others who were at the Ibadan Airport to receive the President included the Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, members of the State Executive Council; former Governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Alao-Akala, former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, the state chairman of the PDP, Mr. Yinka Taiwo and a host of other prominent politicians.
Governor Abiola Ajimobi led the dignitaries in welcoming the President to Ibadan.
Thereafter a long convoy of motorcades drove to the Olubadan’s private residence in Monatan, where only dignitaries in the entourage were allowed to accompany him inside to pay the centenary birthday homage to the royal father.
Journalists were not allowed inside the palace, except those in the presidential media crew.
All entreaties from the journalists to allow them in were shunned by security operatives who said they were acting on instruction from above.
In addition, residents of Monatan- Iwo road area of the ancient city resorted to trekking as security men cordoned off traffic on the road leading to the monarch’s palace.
Even though the loud speaker mounted inside the palace was not loud enough to enable those outside hear all that transpired inside, the journalists, at a stage overheard the visitors inside jointly singing a Happy Birthday song in honour of the Olubadan.
President Jonathan later emerged from the palace after about one hour, from where he was escorted to the Airport by Governor Ajimobi.
President Jonathan had earlier been accorded a colourful reception at the Airport where women politicians were on ground to exhibit their singing and dancing prowess.
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