* Your humility, respect for mankind have endeared you to many Nigerians – NCTRN
* A dependable pillar of support to govt across all cadres – Ekiti Dep Gov
* He’s been promoting peace and unity across Ekiti and Yorubaland – Fani-Kayode
* His reign has transformed our community – Egbe Omo Otun
By John Odunayo
As December 23, 2025, the day that the Oore of Otun Ekiti and the Paramount Ruler of Mobaland, Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo, will clock five years on the throne draws near, congratulatory messages and tributes have continued to pour in.
The dignitaries, eminent Nigerians and groups have continued to pay glowing tributes to the traditional ruler, who is the Southwest Coordinator of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN).
Oba Adeagbo has lined up series of activities to celebrate the landmark. The activities will climax of December 23, 2025.
The NCTRN, under the Chairmanship of the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. (Dr) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and Co-chaired by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Council’s Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee and the Coordinating Committee have celebrated one of the Council’s leaders.
The NCTRN, in a congratulatory message signed by the Chairman, Coordinating Committee and the Etsu Nupe, His Royal Highness (Dr) Yahaya Abubakar, felicitated Oba Adeagbo on the occasion of celebration 5th Anniversary of his ascension to the throne of his forebears.
The Council described Oba Adeagbo as “an astute statesman, highly courageous and patriotic in the affairs of traditional institutions and Nigeria as whole. Your humility, respect for mankind, uprightness and intellectualism have endeared you to many Nigerians.
“We assure you of our unalloyed support and continuous prayer for many more fruitful years ahead on the throne with long life in good health and peaceful reign,” the traditional rulers stated.
The Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, while rejoicing with Oba Adeagbo, said, “Within this short, but memorable time you ascended the throne, you have proven beyond doubt to be a development-driven and peace building monarch, who has exhibited immeasurable passion for community development and nation building”.
The deputy governor, who lauded the monarch for his immense contributions to peace, love and unity in his domain and local government area, said, “You (Oba Adeagbo) have expanded the scope of development in your town and Ekiti in general. You have proven to be a respectable and dependable pillar of support to the government across all cadres.
“This has been tremendously felt in Moba Local Government and Ekiti State and has resonated to the federal level, with the prominent role you are playing within the NCTRN.
“I rejoice with you on this occasion and appeal that you continue to be a reliable partner you have always been to this government for Ekiti people to continually savour the dividends of democracy under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration through your unquantifiable inputs.
“Wishing you a long life and sound mental state as you strive hard to etch your name in gold as one royal personage, who pursues an era replete with remarkable accomplishments on the throne of your forefathers. Congratulations, Kabiyesi. Igba Odun, Odun Kan. E ku oriire”.
In his tribute, a former Minister of Aviation and Ambassador-designate, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, described Oba Adeagbo as “a source of pride not just to Mobaland, not just to Otun Ekiti, not just to Ekiti State, not just to Yorubaland, but the whole of Nigeria”.
Fani-Kayode, who is the Aare Ajagunla of Otun Ekiti and Mobaland, said, “He (Oba Adeagbo) has been promoting peace and unity across Ekiti and the broader Yoruba community, and I can testify to that. He has attracted infrastructure and developmental projects to Otun Ekiti and Mobaland. He advocates for cultural preservation and youth empowerment and so many other things.
“He is civilised, he is humane, he is well connected, well travelled, refined, and one of the most extraordinary gentlemen that I have ever had the privilege of associating with. And it is an honour to be a titled chief of this great man and this great monarch and this wonderful community.
“I have no doubt that even as he marks his first five years on the throne, for which this tribute is being offered, he will enjoy long life, peace, and prosperity, and continue to go from strength to strength, because he has been a blessing to so many of us.
“In difficult times, he would always send messages of comfort and support; in the most trying times, he is there for you, and he will reach out to even the least of us. In good times, he rejoices with you, and you can see that his joy comes from the heart, a king who loves to see his subjects, his chiefs, his people, and his loved ones prosper and excel.
“May God bless you, Kabiyesi. May God continue to be with you. Ade a pe lori, bata A pe lese. We are there for you morning, day, and night, not just for you but for the entire community and your royal household,” Fani-Kayode said.
Also the Egbe Omo Otun Worldwide, while describing Oba Adeagbo as progressive-minded, stated that his reign “in the last five years has brought remarkable transformation to our community-socially, culturally, and institutionally”.
In a tribute signed by the Egbe Omo Otun’s National President, Elder Olalere Aburo and General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Taiwo Ayegbusi, the association told the traditional ruler, “Your inspiring leadership has strengthened human relationships, enhanced the stature of our traditional institution, and fostered meaningful collaboration among corporate bodies within and beyond Mobaland.
“We thank the Almighty God for His grace over you and the entire Otun-Ekiti community since the beginning of your reign. Your humility, open-mindedness, and genuine commitment to the progress of our homeland are evident for all to see. We pray that you continue to lead with the unique blend of wisdom, patience, and courage that your exalted office demands.
“The times are changing, and the needs of the people continue to evolve. Your steady guidance-rooted in tradition yet open to progress-will remain a pillar of strength for the kingdom. We wish you and the entire Otun-Ekiti community a joyful and memorable anniversary celebration. Once again, congratulations, Kabiyesi and long may you reign!!!”
Earlier, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, said, “Over the years, your reign has brought peace, unity and prosperity to Mobaland. Under your guidance, Mobaland has witnessed remarkable strides in education, infrastructure, cultural revival, and youth empowerment.
“Your thoughtful diplomacy and dignified leadership have earned you respect far beyond the boundaries of the realm, positioning you as true custodian of wisdom and a pillar of moral authority.
“As we reflect on these five fruitful years, may this occasion inspire us and future generations to appreciate the depth of our traditions and the greatness that lies in selfless leadership,” Oba Ogunwusi said.
Also, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said, “This milestone is not only a celebration of your ascension to the revered Oore stool, but also a moment to reflect on the wisdom, leadership, dignity and progressive vision you have consistently exemplified since your coronation.
“In a world where traditional institutions remain crucial pillars of cultural continuity and communal harmony, your reign has stood out as a model of purposeful stewardship, noble character and deep commitment to the welfare of your people.
“Over the past five years, Your Royal Highness has continued to strengthen the age-old legacies of the Oore dynasty legacies marked by justice, unity, hospitality and service. Your leadership has inspired renewed hope, fostered development partnerships, promoted cultural pride as well as further solidified Otun’s place as a beacon of peace and tradition within Ekiti State and the nation at large”.
Akume said that as the monarch prepared to host the activities marking the anniversary, “I join your family, the Council of Chiefs, sons and daughters of Otun Ekiti and well-wishers across Nigeria and beyond, to pray for a successful, peaceful and memorable celebration”.
