The Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Osun State council, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu has said the passion for development and progress of humanity is what informed the induction of Olowu of Kuta Oba Adekunle Makama Oyelude into its Hall of Fame.
Ajadosu said this at the induction ceremony held at the Palace of the monarch in Kuta on Friday.
Oba Makama Oyelude joined the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi as the second monarch to be inducted into the NUJ Hall of The in Osun State.
“The NUJ Hall of Fame is meant for selected people that have contributed significantly to the development of their community and impacted in the lives of others and Olowu Kuta fits into this class and that is why we are honouring him.”
The NUJ Chairman described Kabiyesi as a rare Monarch whose only preoccupation is to devote his lift his subjects and everyone that comes near him via empowerment.
He said the monarch has been a very solid pillar behind the Union since his emergence as the Osun State Chairman of NUJ.
Olowu Kuta has actually proved that he possessed the ability to give back to the society. It is not easy to give back to the society, so Kabiyesi is a humanitarian per excellence. He is always keen in anything that will better the lives of others. He is interested in human and material development.”
“Look at Kuta yesterday, look at Kuta today, its all the creation of Olowu Kuta. Someone like this needs to be recognized.”
While accepting the honour, Oba Oyelude described it as a call for more service to humanity and to the support of the media practitioners.
“I accept this as a honour and I believe it’s a call for more service to humanity. Like I have said, I’ll continue to spend my little resources, time and sweat on the development of humanity. That’s the essence of being a traditional ruler.”
Also speaking, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Dokun Abolarin described the honour as a reward of dedication of Oba Oyelude to humanity.
Oba Abolarin said he holds Oba Makama in high esteem for his astuteness, his benevolence and his love for his people.
“He is interested in the development of Kuta and environs. Kuta is so dear to him. I refer to him as a general of the traditional class.”
“He is trying to leave a mark for those coming after us because the institution is too important and he is a model and institution you can use to make the yearnings and aspirations of our people.”
Also in his speech, Professor of History, Siyan Oyeweso described Olowu as a representation of the modern Yoruba monarch.
He said Oba Makama “has been to combine royalty with humanity.”