Tributes Delivered at Lagos Central Mosque
Prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders and religious figures gathered to pay tribute to Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi on the occasion of his 90th birthday. The event took place during a special prayer and thanksgiving service held at the Lagos Central Mosque, drawing together key stakeholders from both political and spiritual spheres in Lagos State.
During the gathering, political associates, community leaders, and religious stakeholders described Olusi, the Chairman of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), as a "moral compass" and an exemplary leader. The event served to celebrate the elder statesman's decades of service to Lagos State and Nigeria, highlighting his enduring influence across various sectors of public life.
Political and Religious Remarks
Alhaji Mutiu Are, Secretary of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council, spoke at the event to commend Olusi. Are stated that Olusi had dedicated his life to serving political associates, the community, and the nation, noting that such a commitment is rare in contemporary public service.
Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, the Lagos State APC Chairman, also addressed the gathering. He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their commitment to leadership and governance, linking the current administration's efforts to the foundational work laid by older generations of leaders like Olusi.
Planning Committee and Religious Leadership
Dr. Seyi Bamgbade, Secretary of the Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi at 90 Planning Committee, highlighted Olusi's longstanding support for President Tinubu and his family during his remarks. This acknowledgment underscored the deep personal and political ties that have characterized Olusi’s career within the APC framework.
Sheikh Sulaimon Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, the Chief Imam of Lagos State, offered prayers for Olusi’s continued strength and health. He urged younger Nigerians to draw inspiration from Olusi’s dedication to public service, emphasizing that such integrity remains a vital component of national development.
The Significance of the Tribute
New Telegraph reports that the gathering was characterized by a unified tone of respect and admiration for Olusi’s contributions. The presence of both high-ranking political officials and top religious leaders at the Lagos Central Mosque signaled the broad cross-section of society that recognizes Olusi’s impact.
The description of Olusi as a "moral compass" reflects the view held by many attendees that his leadership style prioritized ethical governance and community welfare over partisan gain. This perspective was reinforced by the various speakers who cited specific instances of his support for political allies and civic initiatives.
Legacy and Future Implications
The tribute event at the Lagos Central Mosque not only marked a personal milestone for Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi but also served as a reminder of the values he represents. As noted by Sheikh Abou-Nolla, the call for younger Nigerians to emulate his dedication suggests a desire to instill similar principles in the next generation of leaders.
For the APC and the broader political landscape in Lagos State, Olusi’s 90th birthday celebration highlighted the continuity of leadership traditions. The support he has shown for figures like President Tinubu and Governor Sanwo-Olu illustrates the enduring networks that shape political dynamics in the region.
Community Response
Attendees at the service expressed gratitude for Olusi’s role in fostering stability and progress in Lagos State. His position as Chairman of the GAC has been instrumental in advising on governance issues, a fact acknowledged by Alhaji Are during his speech.
The event concluded with prayers for Olusi’s well-being, reflecting the genuine affection held for him by both political colleagues and religious followers. The gathering at the Lagos Central Mosque thus stood as a testament to his status as a revered figure in Nigerian public life.