At least 120 traditional rulers from different parts of the country have reportedly signified interest to attend the 90th birthday of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
The monarch will clock 90 on August 26 but a week of activities preceding the date has been drawn up.
Prominent individuals, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), government functionaries and well-meaning individuals are also expected to honour the first-class monarch.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, spoke yesterday at a media briefing to announce activities for the celebration.
The Olubadan, who briefly showed up at the media briefing to show his approval and give his blessings, said: “To live long is not a right but privilege. Even though I am from a family with an impressive record of longevity, my late father, Raji Olayiwola, died in 1989 at the age of 89. God shall be praised for making me live beyond my father’s age.
“My intention is to use my birthday anniversary to celebrate Ibadan and its diverse people as well as pray for unity and stability of Nigeria.”
Some of the activities for the celebration include an interdenominational Christian and Islamic services, medical outreach, life tribute day, film show and distribution of food items to the needy.
Other activities include a royal walk, a public lecture, visit to orphanages and charity hones, conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles to deserving persons and a grand birthday reception at the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan (UI).
Adedoja said the event, which will begin on August 19, will attract thousands of individuals from different parts of the country and beyond.
The former Minister of Sports and Special Duties, who was accompanied by other members of the committee, said an Ibadan indigene from the University of Texas at Austin Texas in the United States of America (U.S.A), Prof Toyin Falola, will deliver a public lecture, titled: Isese, Asa Ati Esin: Cultural Bridges to Our Development and Modalities, at Mapo Hall in Ibadan.
He added that Governor Abiola Ajimobi will give moral and financial support to the celebration being a son to the Olubadan, a true Ibadan son and a traditional title holder of Aare of Ibadan.
Notable musicians expected to perform at the grand finale include Yinka Ayefele, KI, Saheed Osupa, Abass Akande Obesere and Taye Currency.
