December 31, 2014 – President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has congratulated the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade on his 85th birthday anniversary which comes up tomorrow, January 1, 2015.
In a congratulatory letter to the monarch, President Jonathan described him as one of the nation’s most revered royal fathers and praised his unwavering dedication to the highest ideals in his distinguished reign as the Ooni of Ife.
“On the occasion of your 85th birthday anniversary, I write to extend warm felicitations to Your Majesty on behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Yours has been a life truly worthy of celebration. You have always readily availed our administration of your wise counsel and invaluable support as we work assiduously to reposition our dear nation for enduring peace, security, accelerated growth and development.
“For this, we owe you a debt of gratitude. As you celebrate this glorious anniversary, I join your family, the good people of the historic kingdom of Ife, friends, protégés and well-wishers to thank God for your life and to pray that He continues to guide, guard and prosper you, even as He blesses you with many more years of good health and personal fulfillment,” President Jonathan wrote to the Ooni.
He wished him very happy birthday celebrations.
