Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, has congratulated Femi Fani-Kayode, former minister of aviation, on his successful screening by the senate for an ambassadorial role.
The monarch described the development as a worthy honour to the people of Ifeland and Osun state.
Ogunwusi, who conveyed his message in a statement issued by Sooko Elugbaju, Sooko Omoniyi and the ambassador plenipotentiary to the Ooni, said Fani-Kayode’s appointment is a source of pride to the throne and the entire Ife kingdom.
According to the Ooni, the people of Ifeland and Osun state are “delighted by this honour done to one of our sons,” noting that Fani-Kayode hails from the distinguished Gbúede lineage, a family whose contributions to law, governance, faith and community advancement span four generations.
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He highlighted the legacy of Fani-Kayode’s father, the late Remi Fani-Kayode, a former deputy premier of the defunct Western region; his grandfather, Adedapo Kayode, the third Nigerian to be appointed as a judge; and his great-grandfather, Emmanuel Kayode, one of the earliest missionaries to Ile-Ife, who pioneered notable social reforms.
The Ooni praised the former minister’s service to his people, especially the appointment of many Osun indigenes into strategic parastatals when he was in charge of the aviation ministry, noting that Fani-Kayode “has distinguished himself as a lover of his people.”
“Kabiyesi, the Ooni, expresses pride and joy while wishing you continued success and grace in your new role as ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement reads.
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The royal father said he is confident that Fani-Kayode would deliver even more impactful service at the federal level.
Ooni also expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as a remarkable honour done not only to Fani-Kayode but to the people of Ifeland.
“May the Lord bless the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. God bless Nigeria,” he added.
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