President Eulogises Oba Of Lagos, Afe Babalola On Birthdays

President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Oba of Lagos Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu on his 75th birthday, saying the government remains proud of his contributions to Nigeria’s growth.

Buhari also joined the  Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and National Judicial Council (NJC) in celebrating one of the country’s brightest and resourceful lawyers, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), on his 87th birthday.

In a telephone conversation, the President hailed Akiolu’s courage and unwavering commitment to the country’s unity and peace.

In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President  noted that the monarch always speaks the truth to people in power.

The President told the Oba of Lagos, who served 32 years as a Police officer, rising to the rank of Assistant Inspector General (AIG) before ascending his fathers’ throne, that his wisdom in tackling issues and encouraging civic responsibility in his domain has brought pride to the country.

He prayed that God would grant Oba Akiolu longer life and more wisdom to keep serving his people and the nation.

Buhari, according to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, sent warm felicitations to family, friends, close associates and professional colleagues of Chief Babalola, whose indelible imprint on the legal profession and academia remains legendary.

The President believed the legal luminary is an inspiration to both the young and old on the power of dreaming big and the audacity of following through, having started out as a Grade 11 teacher, who by hard work, discipline and self-motivation propelled himself to great heights of success, including establishment of a private university .

As the legal luminary marks his 87th birthday, the President affirmed that his wealth of knowledge and wisdom have been rightfully deployed in service of God, his country  and humanity, while hailing his large-heartedness and love for the poor and vulnerable.

Buhari prayed for more of God’s abundant grace upon Chief Babalola for longer life, good health and strength to further serve the country and humanity.