Prince Oyinlola, Excellency Emeritus —Seyi Makinde
Abimbola Abatta, Osogbo
Osun State former governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola has been described as an excellency emeritus.
Engineer Seyi Makinde, Oyo State Governor said this during the 70th birthday thanksgiving service of His Excellency, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola @ Oba Moses Oyinlola Memorial Anglican Church, Okuku, Osun State.
At the service which held on Saturday, the Oyo State governor further remarked that the celebrant is a gift to Yoruba land and Nigeria at large.
Makinde noted that politicians are a reflection of the society, hence the need to pray that politicians should do what is right at all times.
According to him, “I recognise the fact that once you attain power, you exert influence on society. However, whether we like it or not, politicians are a reflection of our society. What we need to pray about is that, as Nigerians, God will touch us so that we might do the right thing at all times.
“No governor or political officeholder can do anything without the civil servants. As you pray for the political leaders, pray for the civil servants as well.
“Today’s celebrant knows how to use Yoruba proverbs to during conversations. I call him excellency emeritus, and I thank God for his gift to Yoruba land and Nigeria.”
He wished the celebrant a happy birthday, saying “On behalf of Oyo State Government and people, I want to wish you a happy birthday with good many returns. I wish you many more years in the service of our fatherland.”
Also speaking, Osun State Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Benedict Alabi, lauded the former governor, noting that “He is full of wisdom both in actions and speech.”
“He has lived a life worthy of emulation. He is an elder statesman. He made us understand that leaders can be born and can be made. He is a worthy leader,” he added.
Earlier, in his message, the Bishop-elect of Osun North East, The Rt Revd Abiodun T Olaoye, enjoined the Yorubas to join hands together and prevent the future generations from being enslaved by the Fulanis.
He said, “Let’s join hands together to make Yoruba land progress. We are divided. So that our children will not become slaves to Fulanis, let’s prepare and do the needful.”
Bishop Olaoye who was also the administrator of the service described Prince Oyinlola as an upright and humble man.
He said Nigeria needs people of integrity like the celebrant, urging him to continue the things that endeared people to him.
The Bishop said, “You believe in fairness and justice. You are honest in your dealings with people. You are diligent and thirsty for knowledge. You are humble and very accommodating.
“You have always been known as a humble person. Now that you are 70, you must continue to do those things that endeared people to you. Your life must be full of thanksgiving like never before.
”We need someone who is upright like you. We need men of integrity like you. You need to grow more in your walk with God.
Some of the prominent personalities in attendance were Osun State First Lady, Kafayat Oyetola, Deputy Governor of Osun State, Benedict Alabi, SSG, Prince Wole Oyebamiji, Olokuku of Okuku, Ataoja of Osogbo, Aragbiji or Iragbiji, The Rt. Rev. A.T. Olaoye, the Diocesan Bishop, Governor Seyi Makinde, Oyo State Governor, Segun Oni, Former Governor of Ekiti State and other political bigwigs and monarchs.
