Members of the National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity recently joined family, friends and the people of Egba land at Ake’s palace in Abeokuta, Ogun State to celebrate the Alake of Egba Land, Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo Okukenu IV on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
The NAS Capoon, Mr Abiola Owoaje who led members of the association to pay homage to the highly revered monarch, presented a giant frame of pencil artwork as a gift to the celebrant.
Topmost group of elders of the association known as Cosmos Virtual Island also conferred its most coveted honour, first of its kind on the monarch to the admiration of Chiefs and other guests.
Mr Owoaje read a birthday message from one of the founding members of NAS/PC and Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, who holds the traditional title of Akinlatun of Egba.
The message reads:
“On this Anniversary that falls in the signal season of ISESE, and the formal Annunciation of what has been ours from the beginning of time, I send you Kabiyesi, one of the most enlightened custodians of that Heritage, my most respectful greetings.
“I deeply regret that I cannot be with you in person, but join you and all others in the spirit of celebration.
“I share in the elation of your peaceful reign and wish you many more years of graceful and productive service to the land and its people.
“ May peace reign, may the land flourish, may the people of ISESE thrive in the merited pride of belonging, and their contribution to the upliftment of humanity”
Oba Adedotun who has been a member of the association since 1965, was visibly elated with the honour bestowed on him by the presence of members of the association, seized the opportunity to pray for a better Nigeria and the growth of the association.
