President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, described the Chairman of Rite Foods, Asiwaju Sulaiman Adegunwa, as a living legend and one of the greatest sons of Africa who should be emulated in his efforts to develop the African continent.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, stated this during the installation of Adegunwa and his wife, Hajia Fatima, as the Asiwaju of Ijebuland and Yeye Asiwaju Arobake of Ijebuland respectively, at a ceremony held at the Awujale Pavilion in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
The president, who spoke shortly after the installation of the business mogul described him as a striking personality of immense humility despite his invaluable contributions to business enterprise and creations of jobs for thousands of Nigerians.
He said, “As we celebrate the conferment of Asiwaju of Ijebuland on Pa Sulaiman Adegunwa and Yeye Asiwaju Arobake of Ijebuland on his wife, we have to recognise that he is a legend of his time.
“He is one of the greatest sons of Ijebuland and Africa, who has actively contributed to the advancement of industry and enterprise in Nigeria.”
Also speaking at the event, the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, described Adegunwa as an astute business mogul and reputable philanthropist, whose life remained a source of encouragement to others.
He added that by sheer dint of hard work and innovation, Adegunwa, who started out as a photographer, had grown to be a major creator of wealth in Nigeria, diversifying into food production and banking, among others.
The governor went on to describe Adegunwa as a source of pride for the state, who was worthy of emulation by all.
In his address at the event, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who was represented by the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Dr Sunny Kuku, stated that the invaluable contributions of Adegunwa and his wife to enhancing the socio-economic development of Ijebuland and Nigeria as a whole, as well as their support and loyalty to the Awujale’s throne made them worthy of the befitting honour.
Responding to the well wishes, Asiwaju Adegunwa thanked the Awujale for deeming it fit to honour him and his wife with the chieftaincy titles.
The industrialist pledged to remain committed to serving humanity, and enhancing socio-economic development across Ijebuland and Nigeria.
The title of Asiwaju of Ijebuland was first held by the late Chief Samuel Sonibare, a property merchant and notable politician.
He was succeeded by a former Under-Secretary General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the late Prof Adebayo Adedeji, who died in April 2018.
Guests at the elaborate event included the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his wife, Bola; former governors of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, Segun Osoba, and Gbenga Daniel, who is currently representing Ogun East at the Senate.
Others were the Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa; the Secretary to Ogun State Government, Tokunbo Talabi; paramount rulers of Yewa and Egbaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle and Oba Adedotun Gbadebo respectively, among others.
