ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU: A Consistent and Reliable Friend – Oyo Rep Skimeh Adeyemi

The 22nd April 2022 marks a watershed in the history of Yorubaland. The sky of Yorubaland wore a gloomy temper, indicating the loss of a hero and the departure of the custodian of Yoruba traditions and culture. It was the day the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III joined his ancestors.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not disappoint. Earlier, in that year, while he was on consultations with eminent Nigerians on his intention to contest for the number one seat in the land, he paid visits to the late President Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. His next port of call, after visiting the President and the Vice President, was the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo.

On this momentous day, Oyo was agog on his arrival. A tumultuous crowd received the Jagaban with pomp and circumstance. Omo Olodo-ide was treated to a grand and impressive ceremony with elaborate cultural display and showy activities. Oba Adeyemi prayed for Asiwaju’s success, and he succeeded.

Tinubu left with happiness, and on the second day, he went to the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, for the same purpose. On each visit, Jagaban said: ẹyin baba mi, emi ọmọ yin re o; ẹ timi l’ẹyin; ẹ je k’o jumi se o.

On the day of Alaafin’s demise, Asiwaju Tinubu was airborne to perform the lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia. He arrived Saudi on the 23rd to hear the news of the departure of Iku Baba Yeye. Jagaban was to spend ten days to perform Umrah. The sad news made him cut his stay short and left Saudi on the 6th day. He arrived at Abuja on the morning of the 8th-day fidaau of Oba Adeyemi III. He rested for just two hours and jetted out of Abuja to attend the prayer in Oyo, same day.

President Tinubu stood by the immediate family of Oba Adeyemi. He stood by the Alaafinate. He is a friend and a true son of Yorubaland. Asiwaju displayed the same ọmọluabi traits during the demise of the late Awujale of Ijebuland he attended his 8th day fidau. He is consistently loyal to his friends.

The honour President Tinubu accorded the late President Muhammadu Buhari is an eloquent testament to his reliability, love and support to those who love him. This unprecedented treatment of his predecessor has earned him accolades from all Nigerians.

The true test and measure of friendship is in the times of needs. A friend like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is worth more than a whole battalion of supporters. He holds fast to the bond of friendship like the oath of confraternity. When you have Tinubu as a friend, sleep and worry less, because he will never betray or backstab you.

Till date, President Tinubu and his amiable wife, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, are in constant touch with the Adeyemis (wives and children). They check on us and ask after our wellbeing.

Mr President, the love, admiration and respect you have for Oba Adeyemi III have been transferred to Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo. May God bless all of us with good friends, who will ṣ’oju and ṣ’ẹyin. Amin aṣẹ Edumare.