Tinubu Hails Ewi Of Ado-Ekiti As A National Icon At 80 And 35 Years On The Throne

According to Ireporter Online, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, describing his leadership as a source of inspiration to Nigerians as the monarch marks his 80th birthday and 35th year on the throne. The President’s message was delivered on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti during the celebration of the monarch’s dual milestones.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, President Tinubu said the remarkable achievements of Oba Adejugbe reflect a legacy of wisdom, dignity, and service that extends far beyond Ekiti State. He noted that the Ewi throne—one of the oldest and most revered in Yorubaland—symbolizes centuries of traditional guardianship and cultural continuity, values the monarch has upheld with “uncommon grace and distinction” over the past three and a half decades.

A statement from the SGF’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, quoted the President as saying that Ado-Ekiti has enjoyed sociocultural renewal, stronger communal harmony, and enhanced engagement with government institutions under Oba Adejugbe’s reign. President Tinubu also commended the monarch for his steadfast commitment to education, youth development, peace-building, and the preservation of Ekiti’s moral and cultural heritage—qualities that he said have earned the Ewi widespread national admiration.

Describing the monarch’s 80th birthday as a milestone enriched by decades of honourable service, President Tinubu said the celebration offers an opportunity to recognise a royal father whose leadership continues to strengthen national unity and enrich Nigeria’s cultural identity. He affirmed that Oba Adejugbe has not only sustained the prestige of the historic Ewi stool but has elevated it through integrity, humility, courage, and patriotic dedication.

Ahead of the grand finale of the celebrations scheduled for November 23, 2025, the President, through the SGF, prayed for God’s continued strength and long life for the monarch, reaffirming the federal government’s respect for his contributions to peace, unity, and national development.

Senator Akume also extended warm felicitations to the royal family, the Ado-Ekiti Traditional Council, and the people of Ekiti, describing Oba Adejugbe as a traditional ruler whose life and reign “continue to illuminate the path of justice, wisdom, and communal progress.”