The Obafemi Awolowo University was agog today as the institution celebrated its 60th foundation anniversary graced with the attendance of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo who stood in as Visitor on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari.
In the course of the event also attended by Governors Gboyega Oyetola and Rotimi Akeredolu of Osun and Ondo States respectively, the Ooni of Ife, Etsu Nupe and several other dignitaries, speaker after speaker lauded the Vice President who also spoke towards the end of the ceremony where doctoral students were conferred with their earned academic degrees.
According to Governor Akeredolu who was the Convocation Lecturer, the VP is the example of a true statesman. His words, “Mr. Vice President is a true statesman, I bear witness to it.”
Akeredolu who in his speech gave a critical review of the issue of restructuring however paused to praise the VP adding that as Chairman of the National Economic Council, he has been supporting the States.
The Vice President “fights on behalf of States, he fights to get us money numerous times, thank you, ” Akeredolu stated.
When it was the turn of the Ooni of Ife, who was honored alongside Chief Michael Ade Ojo of Elizade with honorary doctoral degrees, he said of Prof. Osinbajo “we are always proud of you in everything you do, in your thoughts, your deeds and your carriage.”
After saying this, the Ooni then asked the audience made up eminent Nigerians, traditional rulers, top government officials, academics and postgraduate students to give the VP a round of applause. The request received a thunderous response.
Earlier, the Chancellor of the University who is also the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Dr. Yahaya Abubakar in his Welcome Address
recalled that only last week he hosted the Vice President in his domain in Bida where he conferred on him the title of the Defender of the Nupe kingdom.
He explained that after the VP had been given several titles by other traditional rulers across the country, he felt jealous, knowing that the VP was indeed deserving of such honours. He therefore decided to also confer a honorary chieftaincy on him.
He also praised the VP “for his physical presence at this auspicious Convocation Ceremony where two eminent citizens of Nigeria are being honoured with Doctorare degrees.”
The Etsu Nupe added that “it is also pleasing to me sir, that one week after your maiden visit to my domain, I am opportuned to host you again at another historic occasion honouring eminent citizens of the country.”
The VP standing for the President as Visitor at the Convocation robed the new honorary recipients of the Obafemi Awolowo University doctorates.
and then