Makinde to lead other VIPs to celebrate Ayorinde at 90

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde — Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State Photo Credit: X

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State will lead other important personalities at the 90th birthday anniversary of an elder statesman and Baale of Ekotedo, Chief Taiye Ayorinde.

Other personalities expected at the event include the Chief of Staff to Governor Makinde, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye; the Alajawa of Ajawa; lawmakers; local government chairmen; and prominent sons and daughters of Ibadanland.

Elder Ayorinde holds various traditional titles, including the Baale of Ekotedo and Chairman of the Association of Traditional Baales of Ibadanland. He has also held leadership roles, such as Chairman of the Yoruba World Congress International’s 11-man Interim Governing Council.

Speaking with journalists in Ibadan at a press conference ahead of his 90th birthday celebration, scheduled to hold on March 29, 2025, Ayorinde, who is the Baale of Ekotedo, said activities lined up for the event include a drawing competition between schools, where scholarships will be awarded to winners, as well as table tennis and football competitions, among others.

Speaking on the role of traditional rulers in governance, Ayorinde called for constitutional roles for traditional rulers in Nigeria’s governance structure, stating that their proximity to the grassroots makes them effective intermediaries between the government and the people.

According to him, by assigning constitutional roles to traditional rulers, Nigerians can tap into their wealth of experience and knowledge of local customs and traditions.

He stated that traditional rulers have played significant roles in Nigeria’s governance and continue to wield considerable influence in their communities, making them valuable assets in promoting peace, security, and development.

He pointed out that by harnessing the strengths of traditional rulers, Nigeria can create a more inclusive and effective governance system that truly serves the needs of its people.