BY AGENCY REPORTER
The Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has felicitated the Seriki Jagunmolu of Egbaland and Oluwo Iporo Ake, Suarau Alani Bankole, as he clocked 80.
Abiodun, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, congratulated the former National Chairman of the defunct All Peoples Party on his new age, described him as a phenomenon whose sunshine beams brightly across political spectrum of Nigeria and its traditional institutions.
The governor added that history will remember Bankole’s role in deepening the rich cultural heritage of his people, stressing history pages are already replete with his role as a statesman and an iconic politician who earned great accomplishments as a bridge builder with networks across the various divides of the country.
Abiodun, who noted Ogun is very proud of the elder statesman’s popularly known as ‘Caterpillar’ pivotal role in the development of Nigeria’s democracy which has become a reference point, pointing out his life is indeed an inspiring narrative of uncommon courage, dedication, hard work and commitment to service. “Baba, we are proud to have you as one of our own in Ogun State. You are a phenomenon whose sunshine beams brightly across political spectrum of our dear nation and her traditional institutions. As a kingmaker in your native Egbaland with traditional titles of Seriki Jagunmolu and Oluwo Iporo, Abeokuta, history will remember your role in deepening the rich cultural heritage of your people.
“History pages are already replete with your role as a statesman and an iconic politician who earned great accomplishments as a bridge builder with networks across the various divides of our country. In the social circles, S.O.A is not just an initial of an enigmatic individual, it is an evergreen brand.
“As you age gracefully on, your home state is very proud of your pivotal role in the development of our democracy which has become a reference point. Your life is indeed an inspiring narrative of uncommon courage, dedication, hard work and commitment to service. We are particularly grateful for your support to our Administration.
“My prayer is that God will preserve you in sound mind and good health for so many more years, to continue to be a source of inspiration and wise counsel to both our Administration and the younger generations.
“While felicitating with you on your joining the Distinguished League of Octogenarians, please have the assurances of my highest regards and consideration, as always”. Abiodun was quoted to have said in the statement.