Leaders Celebrate Oyinlola at 57
Muslim and Christian leaders across Yorubaland stormed the country home of Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola on Sunday to celebrate his 57th birthday with him and asking him to continue to show love to his detractors.
They spoke as the Governor reviewed his life thanking God for His mercies on him declaring that he was rededicating himself to the service of God and humanity.
The Governor also marked the event with the establishment of a self-funded technical school in his native Okuku which he said would help train youths to be self supporting.
The President of the league of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba land, Sheikh Mustapha Ajisafe led other muslim leaders in a special prayer held in the Governor’s residence and asked him not to be discouraged by the activities of “those who see nothing good” in his government.
Also the retired Bishop of Methodist Church, Nigeria, Rt Rev Ayo Ladigbolu at a Thanksgiving Church service held at St Michael's Anglican Church, Okuku urged him not to be distracted by the “side talks of detractors.”
Lacing his speech with songs of victory over enemies, Sheik Ajisafe advised the governor to know that even Prophet Mohammed and Jesus Christ were not without enemies despite their great work.
The Muslim leader noted that the over 2,000 classrooms built across the state by the Oyinlola administration far out paced whatever claim to performance any of his predecessors might be making.
He said his opponents were making noise because they were exasperated by his monumental achievements which were hitherto unknown in the state citing also the establishment of Osun State University.
“You have left a name and legacies which generations yet unborn will never forget. No matter what the enemies may say, God has put you above them and has fought your war for you,” he said.
Bishop Ladigbolu, who held the congregation spell bound for over one hour admonished the governor to forgive his detractors and trust God to “give him more wisdom to continue to provide leadership not just for Osun state but for Nigeria as a whole.”
Quoting from Psalm 121, Bishop Ladigbolu asked Oyinlola to look up unto God to fight his battles and remain focused.
Lasisi Olagunju
CPS to the Governor
03/02/08
