Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, on his 80th birthday and 35th coronation anniversary.

Mr Oyebanji in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, described the two landmark celebrations as an uncommon double blessing for the royal father.

The governor who described the monarch as a history maker and a traditional ruler of immense impact, said the octogenarian monarch deserved to be celebrated for his contribution to the growth of Ado-Ekiti.

He recalled the pivotal roles of the monarch in the struggle for the creation of Ekiti alongside other Ekiti patriots, noting that the traditional ruler made huge sacrifices to make the dream a reality.

He described the Ewi as a father, a mentor, an adviser and a repository of knowledge who is readily available whenever valuable counsel is needed in the task to take the state to greater heights.

Mr Oyebanji described the 35 years of Mr Adejugbe on the throne as the golden era and the most glorious chapter in the history of Ado Ekiti which he noted had grown in leaps and bounds and has become a mega city.

He further acknowledged the royal father as the rallying point of peace, unity and harmony which encouraged indigenes of Ado Ekiti – at home and in diaspora to contribute to the development of their home city in particular and Ekiti in general.

According to him, the monarch diligently discharged his duty as the custodian of the culture and tradition of the people of Ado-Ekiti and earned both national and global respect for his communal strides.

Noting that the monarch had immortalised himself in the hearts of his people, the governor said the celebrant bequeathed worthy and indelible legacies that would always be remembered by all and sundry in years to come.

Mr Oyebanji prayed to God to grant the traditional ruler long life, sound health and more glorious years on the throne for him to continue to offer impactful service to his kingdom in particular, Ekiti and Nigeria in general.

(NAN)