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A clergy of Saint Michael Anglican Church, Ven. Israel Aina has admonished the younger generation to imbibe the spirit of hard work and good morals, as exemplified in the life of the Obalodo of Oye-Kingdom, High Chief Bamitale Oguntoyinbo.

In his exhortations at the special service held to commemorate the 70th birthday and First anniversary of the Obalodo, the clergy said Oguntoyinbo has demonstrated true leadership qualities that have promoted the development and growth of the community.

The ceremonies that took place at Obalodo Palace in Oye were organized by the children of the celebrator.

According to Ven. Aina Obalodo has contributed to the development of youths, infrastructure, as well as the gospel of the Lord.

“He is a lover of good development and he knows how to mobilise people to promote good things within the community.

“During his tenure as the Chairman of Oye-Ekiti, he performed creditably well, and many sons and daughters of the town were employed through his connections. Since then, I have been following him; he is so generous, caring, and a true leader worthy of emulation.

“My advice to his children who decided to celebrate their father’s 70th birthday is that they should continue to obey their parents. The children should emulate all their father’s good behaviours and leadership qualities,” he said.

Aina prayed for the celebrator that the Lord would grant long life and good health.

In his speech, Chief Oguntoyinbo urged parents to invest in the future of their children. He said his children decided to celebrate his birthday and make him happy because he has invested in their education, business, and future.

Oguntoyinbo urged parents to always instil discipline in their children and not see investment on girl or boy child as a waste.

“I want to advise parents well well-wishers to train their children to be disciplined and hardworking. Investing in your children will always make you proud and fulfilled in your old age on earth. Both girls and boys should be trained equally; there should be no discrimination of any kind.

“I appreciate all my children for making my 70th birthday and first anniversary celebration memorable and beautiful. I prayed that God would make them greater than me beyond their expectations in all ramifications,” he said.

Oguntoyinbo thanked his wife, Mrs Ajibola Oguntoyinbo, for her unconditional love and support for him.

He thanked all indigenes and residents of Oye-Ekiti and his well-wishers for their love and support.

The traditionalists, led by the celebrator, offered prayers at the tomb of the late Obalodo, High Alonge Oguntoyinbo, for long life, good health, and peace of mind.

They prayed for the progress of the Oye Kingdom and the success of the wife and children of the celebrator.

The representative of the children, Pastor Femi Oguntoyinbo, who spoke on behalf of the children, thanked God for his grace over the life of their father.

He said they decided to celebrate their father’s 70th birthday and first anniversary as Obalodo of Oye Kingdom because he was the best daddy in the world.

He said their father invested his money, time, and moral support for them to become successful in their various chosen careers.