By Lukman OMIKUNLE
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has praised Olota of Ota, Oba Abdulkabir Obalanlege, at 60, promising continued support and predicting Ota will develop as London
Obasanjo to Olota at 60: I’ll Celebrate Your 70th Birthday With You
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has praised the Olota of Ota, Oba (Professor) Abdulkabir Adeyemi Obalanlege, Lanlege Ekun II, for his commitment to the development of Otaland, saying the ancient town is steadily expanding and progressing under the monarch’s reign.
Obasanjo spoke at the grand reception held in Ota, Ogun State, on Friday to mark the Olota’s 60th birthday, where he joined other prominent Nigerians, traditional rulers, political leaders and business figures to celebrate the monarch’s Diamond Jubilee.
The former President, who congratulated Oba Obalanlege on attaining the milestone, prayed for many more years of good health and impactful service to the people of Otaland.
In a light-hearted but emotional remark, Obasanjo said he hoped to return in 10 years to celebrate the monarch’s 70th birthday, joking that he would need to be excused from attending the Olota’s 80th birthday celebration in another two decades.
He said, “By God’s grace, I have celebrated 60th birthday with you. By God’s grace, I would celebrate 70th with you, which is in 10 years’ time, but you will have to excuse me in 20 years’ time from your 80th birthday, by God’s grace.”
Obasanjo also reflected on the aspirations of Oba Obalanlege when he ascended the throne of his forefathers, noting that the monarch had made the all-round development of Otaland a major priority.
According to him, the Olota’s vision encompasses both physical infrastructure and the development of human capacity, describing the progress recorded in Ota as evidence of the monarch’s commitment to his people.
“When Kabiyesi Obalanlege ascended the throne of his forefathers, his major desire was to see the all-round development of Otaland, both in infrastructural and human capacity,” Obasanjo said.
He assured the monarch of his continued support, adding, “I assure you that I will support you with all that is necessary to achieve your objective.”
The former President further commended Oba Obalanlege for proving himself to be a credible and committed traditional ruler, saying the impact of his reign was becoming increasingly visible across Ota.
“You have also proven to be a worthy and credible ruler. You have put in your best, which we have been seeing the result. During your reign, Ota is developing, it is expanding, it is progressing,” he said.
Obasanjo expressed optimism that the town would witness even greater transformation during the monarch’s lifetime, predicting that Ota could eventually attain the level of development associated with London.
“In your lifetime, by God’s grace, Ota will develop as London. There would be various opportunities for all in Ota,” the former President said.
He also offered prayers for the monarch, his family and the wider Iganmode community, asking God to grant Oba Obalanlege good health and wisdom to continue his work.
“May God bless you with good health. May all the descendants of Iganmode progress wherever they are. May you keep progressing, continue with your good work, and may Otaland continue to progress,” Obasanjo prayed.
He concluded his tribute by wishing the Olota a happy birthday and many more years of fruitful service.
“Happy birthday, Kabiyesi. I wish you many happy returns,” he said.
Obasanjo’s remarks added a strong development-focused dimension to the celebration, highlighting the growing expectations placed on traditional institutions to contribute to infrastructure, human capital development and economic opportunities within their communities.
