Your Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife,
On the occasion of your 50th birthday, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes. You have brought not only glamour but also a renewed sense of purpose to the revered institution of the Ooni, modernising it while preserving the dignity and traditions of our forefathers. Your leadership has been a source of pride for all of Yorubaland, and your commitment to progress is a beacon of hope for generations to come.
As you celebrate this milestone, I urge you to look ahead to the next 50 years with a focus on addressing the pressing challenges that currently afflict Yorubaland. Today, we face numerous ills that require urgent attention: the scourge of unemployment among our youths, which leaves so many disillusioned and vulnerable; moral decadence that has eroded our once-cherished values; the alarming rise in ritual killings, which tarnishes the sanctity of life itself; the sorry state of our infrastructures; and bad roads. Corruption continues to undermine the fabric of our institutions, while the environment suffers degradation, making our land unappealing and unhealthy.
At the same time, genuine leadership — leadership that prioritises the collective good over personal gain — seems to be in short supply. We see an increasing withdrawal into narrow ethnic cocoons, a retreat that limits our potential in an interconnected world. These challenges, Kabiyesi, call for a bold vision and unwavering commitment.
It is your task, Kabiyesi, to lead the renaissance of the Yoruba past — a past defined by dignity, knowledge, unparalleled public service, and genuine development. You must reach out to the best minds, those who, like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, Prof. Wole Soyinka, and others of their generation, brought honour, dignity, and achievements to the Yoruba race. These issues cannot be left to politicians alone. Your leadership and influence are essential in restoring the values that made Yorubaland a beacon of excellence.
This is the agenda before you for the next 50 years. As you embark on this mission, I wish you many more years of good health, wisdom, and prosperity on the throne of your ancestors. May your reign continue to inspire and elevate the Yoruba people and beyond.
Happy birthday, Kabiyesi!
