In this piece with photos speaking, we share moments at the celebration of a frontline traditional ruler, who has devoted his years in the military and on the throne to the service of humanity. Among prominent monarchs at the event is the Oore of Otun Ekiti, Ekiti State, Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo
By Nudoiba Ojen
The gathering at the Continental Sheraton Hotel, Abuja on Saturday, June 28, 2025 for the celebration of the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar’s 21 years on the throne and 72nd birthday, was grand.
It was a convergence of political leaders, economic giants, traditional rulers and other distinguished and celebrated Nigerians across the country.
The event was a Colloquium on Agriculture organized by the monarch to mark 21st year on the throne as Etsu Nupe, his 72nd birthday and Endowment Fund Launch for Etsu Yahaya Foundation.
The event can be aptly described as the gathering of traditional rulers across the different zones of the country to celebrate one of their own, who is the Coordinating Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria.
At the occasion which had in attendance prominent and first class traditional rulers from the six geopolitical zones, the Oore of Otun Ekiti, Ekiti State, Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo; and the Alara of Epe, Lagos State, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo; represented the Southwest in their capacities as the Southwest Co-coordinators of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria.
The Etsu Nupe, an accomplished Nigerian Army chief before ascending the throne, where he has moved Nupe Kingdom to higher heights, has reasons to celebrate.
A generous leader and philanthropist, Abubakar seized the opportunity of the celebration to inaugurate the Etsu Abubakar Foundation, which is to take care of the voiceless and vulnerable in society.
Addressing the August gathering, the Etsu Nupe thanked the Almighty Allah for keeping him and his family in good health.
Abubakar, who said traditional rulers had vital roles to play in development, said they were instrumental to the security and stability of the nation.
The traditional ruler, however, encouraged Nigerian youths to be involved in agriculture, which he said had the capacity to make them millionaires, employers of labour and major contributors to food security in the country.
He particularly charged younger ones in the state to harness the vast land and agricultural resources in the state.
Etsu Nupe thanked the Governor of Niger State, His Excellency, Mohammed Umaru Bago, for his presence at the event.
The Oore of Otun Ekiti, Oba Adeagbo, appreciated the Etsu Nupe and prayed that he would have good health and prosperity on the throne of his forefathers.
Oba Adeagbo said, “Etsu Nupe Abubakar is a great and detribalized leader. He carries everybody along as Coordinating Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers.
The Oore also thanked the apex leadership of the Council, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Dr Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who are Co-Chairmen of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria.
Oba Adeagbo prayed, “May the Almighty keep and preserve the Council forever”.
Reflecting on the celebration and the quality attendance, the Oore said, “The message is our culture, heritage and history must be recorded for the benefit of our people and generations yet unborn”.
