On Thursday 1st October, 2020, the sleepy town of Itori came alive when Olu Itori, HRM Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo celebrated his 60th birthday. Very many personalities paid tribute to his sterling qualities. Below are a few excerpts.
OONI, OBA ADEYEYE ENITAN OGUNWUSI
“I am proud to note that my very dear Oba Akamo who is known for several unique human qualities including uprightness and fairness, built his current future which he is enjoying to the glory of God with the hard work and persistence he put in place during his early days as a young man.”
“Early enough, he recognised the irreplaceable place of Education as a factor towards having a successful career and his huge leadership quality upon which he was called upon to leade the entire Itori (Egbaland) as the Olu of Itori.
“As he clocks the diamond age of 60 on the surface of the earth, I wish him a healthy long life filled with prosperity on the throne of his ancestors.”
ALAAFIN, OBA LAMIDI OLAYIWOLA ADEYEMI
“In the last 16 years that you ascended the throne of your ancestors as the Olu of Itori, you have used your Education, Experience and Exposure to strategically place your domain on the path of rapid economic growth and prosperity. You have built a befitting modern Palace that is now the cynosure of al1 eyes. This is evident by the many industries that now dot the skyline of the town of Itori as well as the adjoining communities who now engage in various trade and commercial activities of particular mention in the presence of Dangote conglomerate. This development has made the generality of citizenry more prosperous. “
“Kabiyesi, that you share a birthday with our great Nation is not a mere coincidence, it is indeed symbolic of your royalty, patriotism, an embodiment of hope and aspirations of your people and unwavering commitment to serve them and our fatherland in general. At 60, you are indeed a true diamond: an epitome of vitality, style, and timeless value. Certainly, you have brought elegance, pride and elevated the prominence of the Olu Itori stool. Furthermore, your reign continues to attract and witness the significant social-economic transformation of your domain, with a positive impact on our dear state in general.”
OTUNBA (ENGR.) GBENGA DANIEL
“Diamonds are rare to find, and you have acquired yourself as one of the good friends who are rare to find. That it has pleased the Almighty God to grant you yet another year is a great testimony to His goodness in preserving your life.
I celebrate with you because I also know that your reign in Itori Egba has been signposted with unprecedented developments and prosperity of your subjects.”
OLUSEGUN OBASANJO
“We glorify the Almighty for your inspiring life as a successful businessman and a revered traditional leader and the Creator has, without doubt, been kind and faithful in preserving you to attain threescore mark in good health and strength. It is, therefore, a fitting moment to join and rejoice with Your Royal Majesty, your family, friends adn admirers and to give praises to the Almighty God for a most eventful life, which has traversed these past 6 decades. Your reign over Itori, Egbaland, has witnessed notable growth, progress, development, peace and stability.”
OBA (PROFESSOR) ADEYEMI OBALANIEGE
Today I celebrate the People’s Monarch, Kabiyesi Akorede Fatai Akamo, the Olu of Itori as I welcome you to the league of elderly monarchs. Kabiyesi, since my coronation over two years ago, I found you to be kind-hearted, considerate, focused and unrelenting on any part to success.
I heartily congratulate you and pray your life be filled with the fulfillment of your dreams and aspirations as well as answered prayers.
OBA SAHEED ADEMOLA ELEGUSHI
“To be alive to celebrate 60 years is only through the Grace of the Almighty God and I join you to give praises and thanksgiving to the Lord for his protection over you all these years and for the many years to come.”
“As a King and a friend, I know you personally and I can attest to your commitment to good causes, which you have dedicated a significant part of your life, this is evident in the tremendous progress and peace we are seeing in your kingdom and I am confident you will continue to do more for Itoriland.”
LAGOS DEPUTY GOVERNOR
“I write to felicitate with you in commemoration of your 60th birthday anniversary. You would no doubt agree with me that attaining this unique age and diamond celebration in life with the current happenings around the world calls for a celebration. All praise be to Almighty Allah for His blessings upon your life. Indeed, it is a double celebration for you as our nation, Nigeria also marks its 60th Independence Anniversary.
“As a royal father, who is committed to building a strong, united and prosperous community and of course its people, I commend your solid contributions overtime in pursuit of these laudable objectives. Your life has been marked with a determination to promote unity among people particularly on issues affecting the community.
“As you celebrate, I pray that Allah continues to protect and grant you many more years of good health of mind and body to enable you to be a worthy ambassador of your royal heritage. Congratulations.”
ALIKO DANGOTE
“On behalf of the entire Board, Management and Staff of Dangote Industries Limited, I would like to congratulate you on your landmark attainment.
It is also remarkably auspicious that you are celebrating your 60th birthday on October 1, the same day our dear country Nigeria celebrates 60 years of independence. This historical match augurs well for your reign as a revered monarch.
I recall the colourful celebrations, which marked the grand finale of your 15th coronation anniversary as the Olu of Itori in 2019, and the peaceful progress and development your subjects have enjoyed over the years under your reign.”
“I would also like to express our profound gratitude for the splendid support you have provided for Dangote Industries Limited in our expansion activities and investment drive in those locations under your monarchy. Your understanding and cooperation make us vital partners in progress and we, on our part, will continue to support you to achieve your noble roles and objectives.”
OGUN DEPUTY GOV.
“On behalf of my family, I write to felicitate with you on your upcoming Diamond Jubilee Birthday.”
“As you celebrate your 60th birthday which incidentally coincides with the 60th Anniversary of Nigeria’s Independence, it is my prayer that Almighty Allah preserves you for many years in good and robust health, sound mind and grants you more fulfilling years on earth.”
LAGOS SPEAKER, HON. MUDASHIRU AJAYI OBASA
Your Majesty’s Highness, you are a king among the kings and promoter of peace, not only among your people but across the entire Egbaland by your doggedness, forthrightness and knack for truth at all times.
Your Majesty’s love for the people of Itori, endless service and wise leadership have all brought great political, economic and social success to Itoriland, thereby making it prosperous and peaceful.
Alake OBA ADEDOTUN GBADEBO
“Hearty congratulations on your attainment of 60 years on this side of the great divide, come Thursday, 1st October 2020. The event is indeed very unique and memorable as you came to this world on that great day when Nigeria obtained her independence. Those who were born on that special day were and still are referred to as “Omo Ominira”.
“There is a common saying of the wise “life is a school, the experience is the teacher”. It is, therefore, no gainsaying that your life experiences from little above 40 years and since when you ascended the throne as Olu Itori Ewekoro the experience are likely to be incomparable. Howbeit, I congratulate you for Allah’s special grace, which enabled you to weather the storm and the ability to manage your achievements successfully.”
“I wish to place on record your concerted efforts which resulted in the rapid socio-economic transformation witnessed by Itori since your installation as Olu Itori. You have, therefore, satisfied the aspiration of our founding fathers for granting beaded crowns to some Egba rural communities.”
“Your very respectful disposition to Egba Obas who are senior to you, your cordial and cheerful relationship with your colleagues as well as your accommodating and family-like affection to Obas of lower status are all noteworthy.”
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