Kunle Adelabu
Igbogbo – born researcher with Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom, Dr. Nurudeen Oshinlaja, has honoured the highly revered spiritual and political leader, Asiwaju Olounfunmi Basorun, as a quintessential and cherubic figure whose path must be cleared when he appears on a horse.
Dr. Oshinlaja, who has kept constant touch with his people and community despite pursing his academic career abroad, celebrated the elder statesman on his 87th birthday today in a statement he sent to THE IMPACT.
“When an equestrian approaches on his or her horse, people clear the trail. But they do so not for a yesteryear’s equestrian (“kò sí yàgò lọ́nà fún ẹlẹ́sìn anọ”). Behold our inimitable Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, our ‘ẹlẹ́sìn ọjọ́ gbogbo’ at 87!
“Baba mi, Baba daada, I am excited to toast to you on your 87th birthday. I also toast to your cherubim and spiritual gravitas. I pray for your sound health, continued strength, wisdom, joy and peace of mind. May you always be blessed with the support you need every time.
“Sir, your special day today gives me another great opportunity to assert that you are reverently cherished. I am always in awe of your doggedness, your thoroughness, your panache and deep insight in nearly all endeavours – socioeconomic, political, and developmental. I am grateful to you for being a blessing to us. The world is grateful to you for your transformational influence.”
Referring to the many contributions of Asiwaju Basorun that have impacted numerous individuals, community, state, nation and humanity in general, Dr. Oshinlaja said that he will forever be honoured and cherished.
“You are many patriarchs in one. Your fatherly role to us has been tireless; we will ‘pay’ for it and ‘pay’ it forward always. You are special because of your dedication to community development, your gracious empathy to our wellbeing, your unstinting love for humanity, and your obeisance to Almighty God. Please, savour the outpouring of love that comes your way today as you are deeply appreciated.
“Sir, may the blessing of your birthday accelerate the accretion of your divine grace. The inestimable impact that you lead shall continue to benefit mankind. Ẹ tún bọ kò wá jẹ pẹ lágbára Ọlọ́run Ọba, Àmín.
“Happy birthday to you, sir. God bless you always, sir. Cheers!!!”.
