.describe him a statesman, committed to promoting justice, peace, good governance in Nigeria
By Our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday led other dignitaries from across the country, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Muhammed, former state governors, National Assembly members, past and present, notable politicians, traditional rulers, led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, among others to celebrate Chief Olabode Ibiyinka on his 80th birthday, and unveiled his memoir.
George, who is also the Atona Oodua of Yoruba land, is the former Deputy National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Other dignitaries at the event included former Governors Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Sen. Gbenga Daniel (Ogun), Sen. Rabiu Kwakwanso (Kano), who is also the National Leader of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Chief Alex Duduyemi and Mrs. Margaret Shonekan.
Also at the event were the newly elected PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Kabiru Turaki (SAN); Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, the PDP National Secretary; PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Sen. Adolph Wabara; Chief Kesington Adebutu (Baba Ijebu) represented by his son, Chief Oladipupo Adebutu, Chief (Mrs.) Rebecca Aikhomu, retired military officers, friends and families.
President Tinubu, in his address at the occasion, which took place at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, applauded George's service to the nation both in the military and in public sphere, saying that the celebration was a tribute to a patriot, statesman and outstanding politician.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, said he was delighted to honour George, whom he described as an elder brother and respected Lagosian.
According to the president, George had lived a full life dedicated to serving Nigeria through a distinguished military and public career, noting that George proudly described himself as a "Lagos boy," reflecting his deep love for his state of birth.
The president said he was pleased when he received George’s invitation to attend the birthday event, describing the invitation as embodying the Lagos spirit of shared history and good neighbourliness.
Tinubu, while noting that that he and the celebrant had been on opposite political sides since 1999, said the event showed that politicians could disagree yet still uphold values that bind them as one national family.
He, however, said that political differences never diminished his admiration for Chief George as a leader, adding that mutual respect had always existed between them despite years of political rivalry.
Tinubu, while expressing joy that Chief George marked his 80th birthday in good health, quickly recalled the politician's past vow to go into exile if he became president, saying that what he did then was to urge him to stay in Nigeria, and assured him of collective efforts for peace and prosperity.
The president acknowledged that the celebrant had since offered valuable advice through various interventions on national issues, describing the memoir being launched at the occasion as a detailed account of George’s life, education and military service.
According to the president, the book, also covered George’s roles as military governor, PDP leader and former Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) chairman, urging Nigerians to support the launch and wished George continued good health and greater service to the nation.
Also speaking at the occasion, former President Jonathan, who was represented by Col. Paul Edor-Obi (rtd) described George as a mentor and father, describing the occasion as a milestone and a testimony to a life of service, courage, and unwavering commitment to the nation.
Jonathan said that the the celebrant's contributions to Nigerian democratic development and national unity remained deeply appreciated, pointing out that Chief George had demonstrated uncommon courage in standing with conviction, and had shown remarkable consistency in promoting justice, peace, and good governance in the country.
"This milestone is a testimony to a life of service, courage, and unwavering commitment to our nation.
"Over the decades, you distinguished yourself as a professional, elder statesman, and a political leader.
"Your contributions to Nigerian democratic development and national unity remain deeply appreciated.
"You have demonstrated uncommon courage in standing with conviction, and have shown remarkable consistency in promoting justice, peace, and good governance," the former president stated.
Jonathan, however, said that George's autobiography would inspire the generations to come.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Occasion, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), eulogised George's virtues of resilience and determination in his life journey.
Nwachukwu, who was represented by Chief Dele Ogedengbe, a legal luminary and two-term Attorney-General of Ondo State, said that the Atona Oodua demonstrated a life of resilience and determination in spite of all set backs.
"Bode George has gone through a lot in life, prosecuted, convicted, imprisoned, yet he kept fighting until he was exonerated by the Supreme Court. Throughout, he remained steadfast and focused to his faith," he said.
Nwachukwu, therefore, urged Nigerian youths to emulate George's resilience and determination and never give up in the face of any challenge.
Speaking, Makinde described George as a General that could not be pushed over in character, courage and discipline.
Makinde said: " Thank you so much for being a part of my political journey."
According to him, George's story teaches everyone going through any trial and persecution of certainty of a safe arrival at desired destination.
His counterpart, Mohammed, in his remark, described George as an outstanding figure and a cerebral leader "that we are all proud of."
The Bauchi governor, also described George as detribalised Nigerian and a Colossus who always says his mind.
In his commendation, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, who described Chief George as a proud traditional title holder of Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, giving to him by his forefathers, said that the Yoruba leader had distinguished himself.
The foremost monarch described the celebrant as a a very refined personality, saying that everything about him is topnotch and inspiring.
"Chief Olabode George is very refined. Everything about him is topnotch and inspiring. Thank you for being there for the throne of Oodua," the Ooni said.
The referred monarch offered special prayer for George, and prayed God to grant him grace to continue to shine.
Chief Kesington Adebutu (Baba Ijebu), who was represented by his son, Chief Oladipupo Adebutu, congratulated Chief George on hisbirthday, describing him as a leader of note.
Adebutu, who launched George's autobiography with N20 million, applauded him for leading a life of courage and discipline.
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