In a grand ceremony held at the Awujale Pavilion in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Governor Dapo Abiodun came together to celebrate the accomplishments of Asiwaju Sulaiman Adegunwa, Chairman of Rite Foods.
As reported by PUNCH, The event marked the installation of Adegunwa and his wife, Hajia Fatima, as the Asiwaju of Ijebuland and Yeye Asiwaju Arobake of Ijebuland, respectively.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, commended Adegunwa as a living legend and one of the greatest sons of Africa.
Tinubu recognized Adegunwa's efforts in developing the African continent and described him as a striking personality with immense humility, despite his invaluable contributions to business enterprise and job creation for thousands of Nigerians.
Tinubu stated, "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 recognize 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."
Governor Dapo Abiodun lauded Adegunwa as an astute business mogul and reputable philanthropist, whose life serves as an inspiration to others.
Abiodun emphasized Adegunwa's journey from being a photographer to becoming a major creator of wealth in Nigeria through hard work and innovation.
The governor expressed his pride in Adegunwa's achievements and urged others to follow his example.
The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, represented by Dr. Sunny Kuku, the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, acknowledged the significant contributions made by Adegunwa and his wife to the socio-economic development of Ijebuland and Nigeria as a whole. Their unwavering support and loyalty to the Awujale's throne earned them this prestigious honor.
In his response, Asiwaju Adegunwa expressed his gratitude to the Awujale for bestowing the chieftaincy titles upon him and his wife. He pledged his continued commitment to serving humanity and enhancing socio-economic development in Ijebuland and Nigeria.
The title of Asiwaju of Ijebuland has previously been held by notable individuals such as the late Chief Samuel Sonibare, a property merchant and politician, as well as the late Prof Adebayo Adedeji, former Under-Secretary General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including 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 currently represents Ogun East in the Senate.
Other notable figures in attendance were Minister of State for Health Dr. Tunji Alausa, Secretary to the Ogun State Government Tokunbo Talabi, and paramount rulers of Yewa and Egbaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle and Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, respectively.