Tinubu to monarchs: promote unity, shun violence
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday urged traditional rulers across the country to guide their subjects with wisdom, promote dialogue and discourage violence. He said toeing this line would strengthen national
- Falae is symbol of integrity, says President
- Aiyedatiwa, Mimiko laud ex-SGF’s elder statesman’s status
- Former governor: Oba’s memoir mirrors Nigeria’s journey
- From Tosin Tope, Akure
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday urged traditional rulers across the country to guide their subjects with wisdom, promote dialogue and discourage violence.
He said toeing this line would strengthen national unity amid growing security and social challenges.
The President spoke through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, at the launch of the autobiography of the Oluabo of Ilu-Abo, Ondo State, Oba Olu Falae.
The launch of the book, titled: The Triumph of Grace, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos, attracted dignitaries from across the country.
Dignitaries at the event included Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal; and a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe.
Others include former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi; former Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Olu Agunloye; traditional rulers and members of Afenifere, among others.
President Tinubu said the role of traditional rulers has become increasingly critical at a defining moment in Nigeria’s history.
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The President noted that working for peace and security is not the sole responsibility of the government alone but a collective duty that requires collaboration at all levels.
He described Falae as a distinguished statesman, revered monarch, and symbol of integrity.
President Tinubu said the record of the former SGF in public office reflected dedication, intellectual depth and commitment to national development.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa called for a return to value-driven leadership, using Falae’s life as an example of integrity, resilience and service.
The governor said the occasion was not merely celebratory but an opportunity to reflect on leadership values and Nigeria’s direction.
He added that the autobiography offers practical lessons for navigating leadership challenges.
“Diligence is not negotiable, adversity is not final, and integrity remains the most enduring currency,” Aiyedatiwa said.
The governor stressed that true greatness lies in the ability to endure trials and make morally sound decisions.
According to him, leadership requires courage, discipline and accountability in both public and private lives.
The governor also reflected on Nigeria’s socio-economic evolution, stating that past policy decisions, including austerity measures, should be understood within the context of prevailing realities.
Aiyedatiwa described Falae as a symbol of disciplined service whose contributions as a top civil servant, minister, and presidential candidate continue to resonate across generations.
Former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko described Falae’s autobiography as a compelling reflection of Nigeria’s political, economic and democratic evolution.
The former governor, who reviewed the book, said the publication, which mirrors Falae’s journey of life, captures the country’s struggles, missed opportunities and enduring hopes.
He said the 501-page book is “not merely a memoir but a window into some of the defining political, economic and ideological currents that have shaped modern Nigeria”.
According to him, the story of Nigeria in the last five decades cannot be fully told without reference to Falae’s life and career.
Published in 2025 by Liwat Creations, Ibadan, the book contains 22 chapters and chronicles Falae’s journey from his early life in Akure through the civil service, banking, politics, pro-democracy struggle, business and traditional leadership.
Mimiko said the author’s record in public service elevates the book beyond personal recollection into a document of national importance.
“From national development planning to the structural adjustment era and current debates on restructuring and federalism, he was an active participant,” Mimiko said.
The former governor stated that the early chapters highlight the discipline and values that shaped Falae’s journey through life, citing his time at Igbobi College in Yaba, Lagos, where rules were strictly enforced and obeyed.
Mimiko recalled an anecdote involving the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Adesoji Aderemi, who was reportedly denied access to his son because it was not a visiting day.
“That was an era when institutions had moral authority and rules were not bent for privilege,” he said.
Mimiko also described Falae as a technocrat whose rise was driven by diligence and competence.
The book reviewer recalled the role Falae played in drafting the Mid-West Regional Development Programme and his emergence as a Federal Permanent Secretary before the age of 39.
The former governor said the book also provides an insight into major economic policies, including the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), explaining that Falae did not originate the policy but later became one of its prominent advocates.
“For those who want to understand when the rain started beating us, his account is instructive,” he said.
Mimiko added that the book captures key moments in Nigeria’s democratic history, including the June 12, 1993 struggle and Falae’s detention during the military era.
He recalled Falae’s support for the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and his political struggle as the presidential candidate of the defunct Alliance for Democracy/All Peoples Party alliance in 1999.
He described sections on the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election and the activities of the defunct National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) as among the most gripping.
Mimiko also highlighted Falae’s role at the 2014 National Conference, where he led the Southwest delegation and co-chaired the political committee.
He said the book reflects Falae’s consistency and sense of duty, noting that he did not miss any session of the conference.
The former governor added that later chapters cover Falae’s business ventures, his 2015 abduction experience, and his emergence as the traditional ruler of Ilu-Abo in Ondo State.
According to him, Falae’s integrity runs through the book, making it relevant to younger Nigerians and scholars.
Responding, Falae expressed gratitude for what he called divine grace throughout his life, recounting three near-death experiences that shaped his journey.
He recalled how he was mistakenly thought to be a stillborn but was saved by a visiting woman; how he narrowly escaped a fatal plane crash in 1969 due to a last-minute change of flight, and how he survived a kidnapping incident on his farm in 2015.
The monarch also spoke on his career milestones, including his appointment as Managing Director of Nigeria Merchant Bank, which he described as a “political miracle”.
