Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and Chairman of the Council of Otunbas of Ijebuland, Otunba Busura Alebiosu, on his 90th birthday, describing the elder statesman as a stabiliser and leader of leaders who is well respected in his community and the entire state.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, said Otunba Alebiosu, the Otunba Gbelegbuwa of Ijebuland, is one of the gladiators who have helped shape the political landscape of Lagos, especially during the current Fourth Republic.

The Governor also praised Otunba Alebiosu, who is fondly called “Bush of Africa”, for his contribution to governance and politics in Lagos State as a lawmaker and respected political leader with about five decades of active participation.

He said: “On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke, family, the government and the people of Lagos State, as well as leaders and members of our dear party, All Progressives Congress (APC), I celebrate our elder statesman and member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Otunba Busura Alebiosu, on his 90th birthday.

“Baba Alebiosu has kept faith with the political process since the time when he was elected as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly to represent Somolu/Kosofe State Constituency.

He has been an active participant in Lagos politics from the Sir Michael Otedola era through the aborted Third Republic to the current Fourth Republic.

“He is one of our leading lights. I see Baba Bush as a stabiliser—a man with tremendous experience and a wealth of knowledge. More importantly, he is calm, respectable yet humble. I see qualities of leadership in him that are rare among political leaders.

“I genuinely and wholeheartedly wish our leader, Otunba Adedoyin Alebiosu, a wonderful 90th birthday.

“I pray for good health in the remainder of your years in sound mind and clarity of thought, with the ability to continue to lead us and lead us well. The politics that you have practised for decades will never be used to embarrass you. As you grow older, you will continue to live with your head held high.”