Aiyedatiwa, Makinde, others hail Oguntimehin at 90

Ondo Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Saturday joined other eminent personalities across the country to celebrate the Lisa of Ondo Kingdom, High Chief Simeon Oguntimehin, on his 90th birthday.

Aiyedatiwa who hailed Lisa Ondo for his exemplary contributions towards the development of Ondo community and the state said the Second-in-Command of  Ondo kingdom was not just a community leader but a leader who has brought honour, integrity, dignity, courage, and impeccable strength of character to the community.

Aiyedatiwa represented by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Wale Akinlosotu, said the former ICAN boss has been known for diligence and excellence.

He described him as an icon and a cerebral personality whose impact in transforming Ondo community will remain indelible in the history of the community.

He congratulated Lisa on his 90th birthday and his tenth year as the Lisa of the Ondo kingdom, urging him to continue contributing towards the development of education in the ancient community.

In his sermon, the Lord Bishop of the Diocese of Ondo (Anglican Communion) Rt. Revd Stephen Oni stressed the need for High Chief Oguntimehin to rededicate the rest of his life to continue to serve God and humanity.

He noted that the Lisa of Ondo has been impacting the lives of Nigerian and Ondo youths and leaving a lasting legacy, describing the celebrant as an Icon and patriotic indigene of Ondo town with high pedigree.

The clergy said the 90-year-old High Chief has served the country and his community at large in various capacities and called on the younger generations to emulate him by contributing towards the development of their hometown.

The cleric equally stressed the need for members of the congregation to be closer to God continue to do good to humanity and be patient in life.

Oni congratulated the celebrant and prayed for more life, saying he should learn to give thanks to his creator in all things while charging him to continue to assist humanity and his community at large.

In his remarks, High Chief Oguntimehin, appreciated members of his family, friends, and former colleagues for the success of the programme, he promised to continue to move closer to God for the rest of his life and continue to assist humanity.

The leader of the Pan Yoruba sociopolitical group Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti also congratulated High Chief Oguntimehin, praying for more useful years as he has distinguished himself as a humanitarian who is always ready to contribute towards the development of his environment.

Personalities present at the occasion were the Oṣemawe and Paramount ruler of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo, representative of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Orunja of Odigbo, Oba Rufus Adegboyega, the Osopo of Ilunla, Oba Samuel Fadoju.

Others are members House of Representatives, representing Ondo East/West Federal Constituency, Hon. Biola Makinde, member representing Ondo West State Constituency I, Hon Taiwo Ogunwumiju, Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Lola Fagbemi, a former Commissioner in Ondo State, Lady Lydia Oladunmoye.

Also the Judge of of the Federal High Court, Mrs Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, former Vice Chancellor Adekunle Ajasin University, Professor Femi Mimiko, representative of ICAN as well as other members from the Ondo State House of Assembly amongst others.