JDS @ 58: SANUSI THANKS TINUBU, OLUBADAN, ROYAL FATHERS, DIGNITARIES AS MASSIVE CROWD CELEBRATES AT ILAJI

Describes celebration as a symbol of love, unity, gratitude and grassroots solidarity

The Okanlomo Oodua and Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, has expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, traditional rulers, political leaders and other dignitaries who joined him in celebrating his 58th birthday at Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Akanran, Ibadan.

The celebration, held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, attracted a wide range of participants, including traditional rulers, political stakeholders, religious organisations, market associations, artisans, youth and student groups, professional bodies, community leaders and members of the JDS Movement from across Oyo State and beyond.

In an appreciation message issued on Sunday, Chief Sanusi described the celebration as one of the most memorable moments of his life, expressing gratitude to Almighty God and everyone who contributed to the success of the event.

He particularly thanked President Tinubu for his birthday greetings and recognition, describing the gesture as a great honour. He also acknowledged the fatherly guidance and goodwill of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, members of the Olubadan-in-Council, the Mogajis Association, Baales and other traditional titleholders.

The celebrant equally appreciated the Ooni of Ife, the Alaafin of Oyo, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, the Aseyin of Iseyinland and other royal fathers whose prayers, goodwill and presence added significance to the occasion.

Among the political leaders he acknowledged were Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Senator Yunus Akintunde, Hon. Remi Oseni, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, Mama Hannah Ogunesan, Chief (Mrs.) Funmilayo Ogunesan and other political stakeholders who joined in celebrating his 58th birthday.

Chief Sanusi also expressed gratitude to the leadership and members of the Asiwaju/JDS Movement, the President Tinubu 2027 Campaign Organisation and supporters across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State for their solidarity and contributions.

A major feature of the birthday celebration was the declaration of Tinubu Day, which brought together supporters and political stakeholders to demonstrate their solidarity with President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Chief Sanusi, the gathering provided an opportunity to strengthen grassroots engagement, foster unity and bring together people from different communities and backgrounds.

The organisers described the turnout as extraordinary, claiming that attendance exceeded one million people. The gathering reportedly featured traders, artisans, religious organisations, youths, community associations and other grassroots groups.

However, Chief Sanusi stressed that the significance of the celebration extended beyond the number of people in attendance, noting that the love, prayers, sacrifices and goodwill demonstrated by participants meant more to him than the crowd itself.

“What touched me most was not merely the size of the gathering, but the love, prayers, sacrifices and goodwill demonstrated by the people. Every individual who travelled to celebrate with me, every prayer offered and every message received will remain deeply appreciated,” he said.

He also acknowledged the traffic congestion experienced along the Olorunsogo–Akanran road, expressing gratitude to guests who endured long journeys and delays to attend the event.

He also recognised the contributions of market men and women, traders, artisans, farmers, transport workers, professional associations, student bodies, youth organisations, journalists, teachers, healthcare workers, labour leaders, persons living with disabilities and members of the Ibadan sickle cell community.

According to him, the participation of these groups underscored the importance of inclusiveness, community development and recognising the contributions of ordinary citizens to society.

Chief Sanusi further commended community security volunteers, local hunters, Ibadan Guards, Irú Ẹkùn groups, Agbekoya members and other community-based organisations for their efforts towards maintaining peace and public safety.

He reserved special appreciation for the management and staff of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, including the hospitality team, security personnel, kitchen workers, cleaners, technicians, drivers, event coordinators and volunteers who worked to ensure the smooth running of the celebration.

‘The Greatest Monument Is Love in People's Hearts’

Reflecting on the birthday celebration, Chief Sanusi said genuine success should not be measured solely by material possessions, businesses or titles but also by the positive relationships people build and the lives they touch.

“A man may build houses, establish businesses and acquire titles, but the greatest monument he can build is a place of love in the hearts of other human beings,” he stated.

He added that the overwhelming show of goodwill had further strengthened his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote youth participation, grassroots engagement, community development and the welfare of the people.

The philanthropist noted that the celebration had reinforced the importance of service, compassion and maintaining meaningful relationships with people across different social, religious and professional backgrounds.

He also prayed for improved employment opportunities, quality education and better healthcare services in Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

The celebrant called on political stakeholders and citizens to manage their differences peacefully, protect human dignity and prioritise the collective interests of the people.

Concluding his appreciation message, Chief Sanusi thanked everyone who sent birthday greetings, offered prayers, contributed resources or travelled to Ilaji to celebrate with him.

“I may not be able to shake every hand, embrace every person or mention every name, but I will never forget the love you showed me. At 58, I am not merely celebrating the years I have lived; I am celebrating the people God has brought into my life.

“I am humbled, grateful and deeply touched. May Almighty God bless everyone who celebrated with me beyond their expectations,” he said.

Signed:

Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi (JDS)

Okanlomo Oodua / Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland

Founder, Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort