By Adewumi Ademiju Ado Ekiti
As the first civilian governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo clocks 60 today, the leading All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in the state; Dr Wole Oluyede has congratulated the former governor.
Oluyede in a congratulatory message described Otunba Niyi Adebayo as “a legend, a quintessential Omoluabi of our generation and an astute politician whose lifestyle is worthy of emulation.”
The APC gubernatorial aspirant further said, “This is a moment to celebrate an icon. I pray, rejoice and congratulate you on this auspiciously special occasion. I felicitate with a patriotic leader whose utmost desire is the success of his people and the wellbeing of humanity.
I also congratulate your family, friends, well-wishers and Ekiti in particular on celebrating an illustrious son everybody is proud of.
it would be recalled that when Ekiti state was created in 1996, it came under a military administration of Lieutenant Colonel Innuah Bawah
However, the history was made after the 1999 governorship election in which Otunba Niyi Adebayo was democratically elected as the first Civilian Governor of Ekiti State.
Celebrating the astute politician, Oluyede added, ”Otunba Niyi Adebayo is a gentleman to the core; responsible and decent; generous and humane. He is a wonderful politician of repute. He is equally a pride not only to Ekiti people but Nigeria in general”.
Further attesting to the leadership qualities exhibited by the son of a foremost Yoruba leader and the Military Governor of the Old Western Region, Late General Robert Adeyinka Adebayo, in his political carrier, Oluyede said, “at this point in time, Nigeria needs such a politician with marvelous orientation and good upbringing at the helms of affairs”.
Dr Oluyede added that despite the affluent background of the celebrant, he is so humble, always- accessible, ever-amiable and sociable person who is fondly described as ‘’the smiling face’’
Describing the celebrant as a world-class role model, Oluyede said Otunba Niyi Adebayo is a unifying factor and a major bridge builder and an institution to be celebrated by all.”
He therefore called Nigerian politicians to emulate the good nature of the icon in politicking.
‘’His radiant and glamorous look is a pointer to the natural goodwill’ Oluyede therefore urged the people of Ekiti to emulate the good nature in terms of attitude and disposition.
He said Otunba Adebayo is a patriotic leader who has used his leadership qualities to build a solid foundation of governance in Ekiti State.
‘’Adebayo, during his tenure in Ekiti State, demonstrated exceptional liberal style that was beneficial to all. Ekiti was Good, in his time’’
“He is the pivotal and pathfinder of the New Ekiti. He is an institution worthy of celebration by all.
Dr Oluyede therefore prays for long live and prosperity for Otunba Niyi Adebayo just as he wished him many happy returns of the day.
