Bode George, Mimiko, Fayemi, Kingibe, others hail ex-SGF’s legacies
President Bola Tinubu has called on traditional rulers across the country to strengthen their roles in fostering unity, peace and national cohesion, urging them to draw inspiration from the leadership example of elder statesman and monarch, Oba Olu Falae.

The President appealed yesterday, during the public presentation of Falae’s autobiography, “The Triumph of Grace,” held in Lagos, where he was represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.

Tinubu described the occasion as a celebration of a lifetime of service marked by discipline, resilience and dedication to national development.

He noted that the autobiography chronicles the enduring contributions of a statesman whose career has spanned public administration, economic management and traditional leadership.

According to the President, Falae’s tenure in key national positions, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Minister of Finance, reflected intellectual depth and a strong commitment to responsible governance.

He said the monarch’s stewardship in public office demonstrated sound judgment and policy insight that helped guide the country through challenging economic periods.

Tinubu, who further commended Falae’s role as a traditional ruler, describing him as a bridge between Nigeria’s cultural heritage and contemporary governance, emphasised that royal fathers have a critical responsibility to encourage dialogue, promote peaceful coexistence and discourage violence within their communities.

Meanwhile, former Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, who reviewed the book, said the autobiography represents an important contribution to Nigeria’s historical and policy literature.

He noted that the 501-page autobiography is “not merely a memoir, but a window that provides insight into governance challenges and development planning debates.

Chairman of the occasion and former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), represented by former SGF, Yayale Ahmed, noted patriotism, courage and dedication to national development as defining features of Falae’s legacy.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, also praised Falae’s contributions, stating that Nigeria’s modern history cannot be fully recounted without reference to his role in public life.

Former presidential candidate, Babagana Kingibe, described Falae as a leader whose capacity for national leadership remained widely acknowledged.

Dignitaries at the event included political leaders, traditional rulers and representatives of several state governments, among them PDP chieftain, Bode George; former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, and the Deji of Akure.