The Olowu of Kuta in Osun State, Oba Adekunle Makama, has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as a timeless statesman, whose presence will be felt many years after his generation.
Also, Oba Makama congratulated Obasanjo on enjoying a healthy and long life. He asserted that God purposely blessed Nigeria with Obasanjo, who spent his life as military head of state and civilian president to unite the country.
The monarch spoke after hosting the former president and his entourage in his Olowu Palace in Kuta
Oba Makama revealed that he was always excited reading and listening to Obasanjo's informed comments on public issues.
He said: "Whether we like it or not, he has never been intimidated not to pass his messages and take a walk off the podium.
"And if you study his views with a broad mind, you are bound to pick invaluable points therein because he doesn't speak for the sake of it. He does this with intellectual depth, passion, and, above all, patriotism.
"That is why he will remain relevant till tomorrow. His engagement of very sensitive global issues with courage and power of articulation has won for him both recognition and respect at international fora where you have former and serving presidents listening to him with rapt attention."
The Olowu Kuta urged Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to accord personalities like Obasanjo and other heads of government.
He said: "Ruling Nigeria, a country peopled by about 200 ethnic groups, is not a child's play or a task for the lily-livered persons."
Obasanjo reacts
In his remarks, Obasanjo commended the Olowu Kuta for bequeathing what he called a world-class palace to the ancient Owu Kuta.
He commended him for showcasing and promoting core Yoruba culture in his domain and beyond.
Obasanjo, who holds the traditional title of the Balogun Owu, charged Kuta elite to rally around the monarch in all ways and ensure the beautiful palace standard is maintained.
In Obasanjo's delegation were the Olowu of Owu Abeokuta, Oba (Prof) Saka Matemilola Oluyalo-Otileta (VII), the Royal Union of Owu People (RUOP) led by its President Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, Honourable Fatoki and a host of others.
