NUJ Celebrates Alaafin at 83, describes him as ‘a pride of Yoruba culture, tradition’

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ), South West zone, has felicitated with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111, the 45th Alaafin of the great Oyo empire, on the occasion of his 83rd birthday celebration.

In a statement signed by the National Vice-President of NUJ, South West zone, Comrade Ronke Afebioye-Samo and the Zonal Secretary, Comrade Abdulrazak Alege, the Alaafin was recognized as “a custodian, embodiment and pride of the Yoruba culture and tradition and a monarch whose life has been a great inspiration to all Yorubas as he continues to promote and preserve the Yoruba culture everywhere he goes.”

The statement reads in part: “We felicitate with our great royal father and pride of the Yoruba culture and tradition, the Alaafim of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, Iku Baba yeye, the great grand son of Oduduwa who is the progenitor of the Yoruba race.

“We are always proud of Oba Lamidi because of your exemplary leadership acumen, wisdom and astounding knowledge about the history of our race.

“Our great Alaafin is an advocate of good governance, supported by traditional values, norms and customs.

“We have in our Alaafin, a great inspiration for Yoruba cultural life. You are a great emperor who has a deep knowledge and understanding of our history, culture and tradition. And not only this, you have over the time, used every opportunity you have in both local and international fora to educate, instruct and teach the world about the greatness of the Yoruba race.

The NUJ leaders further said: “We are always awed by your great passion in seeking for more knowledge about Yoruba history and also dishing out this knowledge intelligently to the world about this great black nation. The younger generation has continuously learnt from this unique aspect of yours and we urge you to continue in this graceful path. We shall remain grateful to you forever.

“Today, we therefore celebrate you on the occasion of your birthday and we wish you many more years of wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Great health, more prosperity and glamour and many more blessings from the Almighty God for you and for all members of your family.”