Tinubu, Abdulsalami, Osoba, Others Celebrate Opadokun At 80

President Bola Tinubu, former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.), Chief Olusegun Osoba and other eminent Nigerians have paid glowing tributes to the Secretary of the defunct National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Pa Ayo Opadokun, as he clocked 80, describing him as a moral compass and voice of reason in Nigeria’s political landscape.

The tributes were contained in congratulatory messages from the President and the former Head of State, which were read by Reverend Olusegun Ogungboye of Grace Baptist Church, Offa, Kwara State, at a service held at Ikate Baptist Church, Surulere, Lagos.

The service was tagged: “Ayo Opadokun at 80: Testimonies of Impact.”

President Tinubu described Opadokun’s life as one of sacrifice, courage and patriotism in the struggle for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria, saying it was a testament to his character and conviction.

“From the trenches of the June 12 struggle to the conference hall of national discourse, Chief Opadokun has remained consistent, principled and unwavering in his commitment to good governance, federalism and the rule of law.

“As a comrade-in-arms in the fight against military dictatorship, I recall with pride the shared sacrifices and the resolve that ultimately birthed the Fourth Republic, now in its 27th year and still counting.

“Chief Opadokun was a leading voice and organiser for NADECO and Afenifere in their struggle against military dictatorship. Owing to his activist stance, he suffered persecution, detention and targeted crackdowns by state security operatives during the Abacha military regime.”

Tinubu commended Opadokun for his continued role as a moral compass and voice of reason in the polity.

He said Opadokun’s recent books, including Gun Hegemony and his memoir, The NADECO Story, which detail historical accounts of military interventions and civil-military relations, serve as reminders of the dark era and point the way towards a more glorious Nigeria.

“Let me assure Chief Opadokun that, fired by our shared vision, the Renewed Hope Administration under my leadership will continue to strive for a more democratic, more equitable and more prosperous Nigeria.

“On this important milestone of his 80th birthday, I celebrate Chief Opadokun and wish him many more years of good health and service to the nation.”

Abdulsalami Abubakar said Opadokun’s attainment of the milestone offered an opportunity not only to congratulate him on completing four score years but also to reflect on a life devoted to the service of Nigeria, the defence of democratic ideals and the pursuit of justice, equity and the rule of law.

He noted that Opadokun’s consistency, wisdom and commitment to national unity continued to inspire younger generations, adding that he remained unrelenting in his advocacy for a true federal constitutional democracy.

Abubakar recalled that Opadokun was among the first set of people he met after he became Head of State in 1998.

“Throughout our interactions, I found him to be forthright, principled, patriotic and unwavering in his commitment to the Nigerian project. While remaining faithful to the convictions of the democratic movement, he demonstrated remarkable maturity, sincerity and readiness to place the national interest above personal considerations,” Abubakar said.

Osoba, who attended the service, congratulated Opadokun and acknowledged his sacrifices and contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development.

“I congratulate the celebrant. You have suffered for the country and laboured for Nigeria. May the rest of your life be merry and enjoyable.

“He is the Secretary-General of NADECO. He suffered, but the strength of God was with him, and he survived.

“Today, the democracy we are enjoying, when history is properly written, the name Ayo Opadokun will be written in gold. He has sacrificed and survived for Nigeria. May he live the rest of his life to enjoy the rewards of his labour.”

In his message, former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, said Opadokun’s unwavering commitment to the democratic struggle, particularly his sterling role as secretary and principal spokesman of NADECO, remained an enduring chapter in Nigeria’s history.

“As a steadfast ally of the late Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, you have consistently championed the ideals of equity, good governance and the dignity of every citizen,” Daniel said.

In his response, Opadokun appreciated those who celebrated him on his birthday.

He, however, said Nigeria’s problem was that many people who were not supposed to be in positions of power had found their way into government, adding that this was responsible for many of the country’s challenges.

He maintained that the “rotten system” was what President Tinubu was trying to correct and urged Nigerians to give the President more time to put the country on the right track and move it forward.

Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin of Women Arise described Opadokun as a combatant with deep moral character, saying he had demonstrated courage in situations that ordinary people would not dare to venture into.

“He has demonstrated courage, treading where ordinary mortals ceased to go. During his incarceration, he did not deter; he always spoke truth to power. He is a man of democracy, a great patriot, an encyclopedia of struggle, and he has remained incorruptible,” she said.

In his sermon, Reverend Kehinde Babarinde, President of Fishermen Maximum Output Ministries, Lagos, said Opadokun was only fulfilling the assignment God had given him to execute on earth, adding that God would reward him for the good work he had done in the service of humanity.

“God alone calls, gives assignments and rewards. You also give an account of what you do.

“You are called to the service through spiritual grace. You were saved by grace.

“Dignity, righteousness—your calling has exemplified that. Thank you for standing for the good ministry in this church. Several men like what you are doing,” the minister said.