President Bola Tinubu and Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, have urged Nigerian leaders to uphold integrity and prioritise dialogue as key pillars for national unity.
They spoke on Thursday at the launch of the autobiography of the Oluabo of Ilu-Abo, Oba Olu Falae, titled The Triumph of Grace, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Victoria Island.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the President highlighted the critical role traditional rulers play in addressing Nigeria’s security and social challenges.
He called on monarchs to foster peace within their communities and discourage violence, stressing that maintaining national stability is a shared responsibility.
“Peace and security are not the sole responsibility of the government but a collective duty,” he said, describing Falae as a respected statesman and a symbol of integrity whose service has contributed significantly to national development.
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Aiyedatiwa praised the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation for his disciplined and principled career, urging younger leaders to learn from his example.
He noted that the autobiography offers valuable lessons for navigating the complexities of leadership in modern Nigeria.
“Diligence is non-negotiable, adversity is not the end, and integrity remains the most enduring currency,” the governor said.
He added that the book goes beyond a personal story, reflecting Nigeria’s socio-economic journey and reinforcing the need for value-driven governance.In his remarks, Falae spoke about three life-threatening experiences that inspired the title of the book.
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He recalled being presumed stillborn at birth, narrowly avoiding a fatal plane crash in London in 1969 after a last-minute change of flight title, and being kidnapped on his 77th birthday during which his captors unexpectedly spared his life.
He described these moments, alongside key milestones in his career — including his appointment as Managing Director of Nigeria Merchant Bank — as clear evidence of divine grace.
The event also featured a review of the book by former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, who commended Falae’s deep sense of purpose and faith.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, served as chief launcher and described the monarch as a visionary statesman.
Among those in attendance were Racheal Falae, wife of the celebrant; former SGF and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Babagana Kingibe; former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi; and Bode George, a former military governor of Ondo State.
Others included the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi; businessman Ade Ojo, Chairman of Elizade Motors; and several members of the Afenifere socio-political group.
The event celebrated a remarkable life that has spanned the civil service, federal cabinet and traditional institutions, leaving behind a legacy defined by integrity, resilience, and public service.
