The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, will confer honorary chieftancy titles on three prominent Nigerians to mark his centenary.
Chief Lekan Alabi, the Chairman of the Publicity Sub-Committee for the Olubadan Centenary Birthday, said this at a news conference on Thursday in Ibadan, Oyo State, News Agency of Nigeria reports.
He said the recipients were Senate President David Mark, Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka and America-based Historian, Prof. Toyin Falola.
The committee chairman said apart from making their marks in respective areas of endeavour, the recipients had also contributed to the development of the ancient town of Ibadan.
He noted that Soyinka and Mark were meant to receive the honour when the Olubadan celebrated his 99th birthday, but could not because they were out of the country.
Alabi said, “The people of Ibadan decided to celebrate the monarch’s centenary in a big way because the age expectancy in Nigeria is 42 years, going by UNESCO figure.
“It is therefore a big honour that the Olubadan lives to see his 100th birthday.’’
He urged the media to support the one-week activities which would commence on April 13, with the unveiling of a local drama on Olubadan and a thanksgiving service on April 14.
“There will be a symposium on “Ageing, Longevity and Grace of God” to be moderated by Emeritus Prof. Oladipo Akinkugbe on Tuesday, April, 15,” the committee chairman added.
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