President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, the Olubaka of Oka-Akoko in Ondo State, as the revered monarch prepares to celebrate the Ihare festival, which coincides with his 82nd birthday.

The Ihare festival, an age-long initiation rite into the council of elders, is scheduled for November 29 and stands as a major cultural highlight in the community’s celebration of the monarch’s new age.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised Oba Adeleye’s exemplary leadership and longstanding service to Nigeria. The President noted the monarch’s distinguished career in the Lagos State judiciary, where he rose through the ranks to become a Chief Magistrate before ascending the throne in 1987.

Oba Adeleye is also celebrated as a pioneer member of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria and has represented the country as Amirul Hajj to Saudi Arabia on three occasions. He further served as Chairman of the Council of Obas in Ondo State and was the pioneer Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko.

President Tinubu described the Olubaka as a “principled, wise, and courageous” traditional ruler who consistently demonstrates integrity and fatherly leadership. He also recalled the monarch’s valuable counsel during the 2022/2023 presidential campaign periods, expressing gratitude for his fairness and unwavering character.

The President joined the people of Oka-Akoko and Ondo State in celebrating what he called a “Renaissance monarch,” praying that Oba Adeleye will enjoy many more peaceful and prosperous years on the throne. He wished him a joyous birthday and a fulfilling Ihare festival.