***A Historic First in His 30-Year Public Career

It was a colourful scene of culture, music, and prestige on Saturday at the ancient town of Iyin-Ekiti, as the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaiye (Oyinyosaye III), installed the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB), as the Oluomo of Iyin-Ekiti during the grand finale of the 2025 Iyin-Ekiti Day Celebration.

Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele and Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau

The conferment, offered by the Oluyin-in-Council and the entire Iyin-Ekiti Kingdom, came as a heartfelt recognition of Senator Bamidele’s outstanding contributions to the socio-economic and infrastructural development of his hometown — a community he has served with distinction over the years.

Former Minister of Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele and Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau

The air was charged with excitement as cultural troupes thrilled the audience with traditional drumming, dance, and colourful displays, while dignitaries from across Nigeria gathered to witness the royal event that blended heritage with modern prestige.

In his emotional acceptance speech, Senator Bamidele expressed profound appreciation to the Oluyin, the Council, and the people of Iyin-Ekiti, describing the honour as “deeply humbling and inspiring.” He revealed that it was the first traditional title he would receive in his over three decades of service in public life, and promised to rededicate himself to serving his people and humanity with even greater zeal.

Also conferred with chieftaincy titles at the ceremony were other eminent personalities, including:

Senator Jubrin Barau, Deputy President of the Senate – Agba Akin of Iyin-Ekiti.

Senator Jide Ipinshagba, Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Procurement – Aare Bobagunwa of Iyin-Ekiti.

Hon. (Engr.) Remi Oseni, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on FERMA – Aare Bobajiroro of Iyin-Ekiti.

Otunba Niyi Adebayo, former Governor of Ekiti State – Asiwaju of Iyin-Ekiti.

The event was not just a coronation, but a reunion of culture, governance, and gratitude — a royal celebration that left Iyin-Ekiti aglow with pride and joy.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to his longtime friend and political ally, Senator Abu Ibrahim, on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

In a statement issued on Monday, President Tinubu described Senator Ibrahim as “more than a friend — a brother,” recalling their decades-long relationship that began in the Senate during the aborted Third Republic in 1992.

“Since we first met in the Senate chambers in 1992, our friendship has only grown deeper and stronger,” the President said.

Tinubu praised Senator Ibrahim’s steadfast commitment to democracy, good governance, and nation-building, noting that his political career has been defined by integrity and dedication to public service.

“Due to his democratic credentials and commitment to his people, it was no surprise that he was re-elected to the Senate twice, in 2003 and 2011,” Tinubu stated, adding that Ibrahim’s advocacy for peace and unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been exemplary.

The President recounted their shared experience during the struggle against military dictatorship following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

“When the authorities released him and left the rest of us in detention, Abu refused to leave, insisting that all of us be released together,” Tinubu said, hailing the Katsina-born politician’s courage and loyalty.

He also acknowledged Senator Ibrahim’s role in the formation and growth of the APC in 2013 and his active support during the 2023 presidential campaign.

“As a patriot, Abu has lived a life of dedication to public service and the pursuit of a greater Nigeria,” the President said. “He has continued to provide invaluable support and ideas for the successful implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

President Tinubu prayed for Senator Ibrahim’s continued good health and strength to keep contributing to national development.

“I thank him for his steadfast support and cherished friendship over the years,” Tinubu concluded.

The Leader of the Senate, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele has felicitated with President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio as he marks 61st birthday on Saturday.

In a statement by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs on Friday, Bamidele wished the senate president more fruitful, prosperous and rewarding years on the land of the living.

Specifically, the senate leader commended Akpabio’s commitment to promoting the cause of the masses and pro-people legislations evident in the way he had used the gavel with cautious optimism.

He observed that since his emergence as the president of the upper chamber on June 13, Akpabio had been providing strategic leadership that prioritised consensus building in the interest of peace, progress and development.

Even amid scathing public criticism, Bamidele noted that Akpabio “has always been calm, peaceful and unruffled, always according utmost respect to all legislators regardless of their political leanings.

“Akpabio is passionate about cultivating strategic partnership with all national institutions With a view to building a Nation that works for all and developing an economy that flourishes.

“He is a political leader dedicated to the empowerment of the downtrodden in society. He has also contributed to the development of this nation with his uncommon achievements as the Governor of Akwa Ibom (2007 – 2015) State and as a Minister of Niger Delta (2019 – 2022).

“A day like this truly calls for not only cheerful celebration of what God has made of him, but also candid reflection of God’s goodness and grace, His favour and kindness as well as of His love and mercy towards him and his family in the last 61 years.

“Just as I rejoice with him on this historic occasion, I pray God keeps him in an excellent frame of mind; guides every step he takes in service to our Fatherland; satisfies him with health that never fails, memory that never fades and mind that ever discerns glorious path to national recovery.”