President Bola Tinubu, Governors Babajide Sanwo, and Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday, warmly celebrated Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, the legendary King Sunny Ade and an icon of Nigerian and African music, on his 80th birthday.
In the President’s words, “For eight decades, you have exemplified musical excellence and cultural ambassadorship, enriching our nation and bringing joy to millions across generations. Through your extraordinary talent, creativity, discipline and enduring passion, you transformed juju music into a globally recognised Nigerian cultural treasure.
As one of Africa’s most celebrated entertainers, you have brought the richness of our culture to audiences worldwide. Your distinctive sound, masterful blend of guitar, talking drums and other traditional instruments, mesmerising dance steps, and innovative approach to music have earned you a distinguished place in the history of African arts and entertainment.
Beyond your musical accomplishments, you have remained a proud ambassador of Nigeria, demonstrating through your career that our cultural heritage can transcend borders and speak powerfully to people everywhere.
Your remarkable contributions to the Nigerian creative industry have inspired generations of musicians and practitioners. Your music has not only entertained, but it has also preserved our cultural identity, celebrated our traditions and projected the beauty and diversity of our country to the world.
As President, I deeply recognise and celebrate the immense contributions of our cultural icons. On this important milestone, I am especially grateful to God for the grace He has given you.
At 80, you embody excellence, perseverance and service to the arts. Your achievements remind us that talent, when combined with dedication and commitment to one’s heritage, can become an enduring national legacy.
On behalf of my family, the Government and the people of Nigeria, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. May Almighty God bless you with good health, wisdom and many more Fulfilling Years.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu Congratulates King Sunny Ade at 80
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also felicitated with Juju music legend, Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade, as he marks his 80th birthday.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described KSA as a global music icon and one of Africa’s pioneers who took Nigerian music to the world stage.
He added that King Sunny Ade is one of the first African musicians to achieve international acclaim, bringing honour not only to Nigeria but to the entire continent.
The Governor noted that for over six decades, King Sunny Ade has remained a reference point in the creative industry, using his craft to promote unity, joy and culture.
He said: “KSA is an elder statesman, a community leader, a respected music maestro of our generation and a man who has used music as a tool to spread joy across all sections of our country, bringing us together for the common good.
“We thank God for His grace upon Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye and for using music as a tool for a good cause in our society. He has used his music and intellect very well for over six decades to galvanise humanity.
“On behalf of my family and the people of Lagos State, I celebrate our own King Sunny Ade at 80. He is not just a music maestro but an elder statesman and a community leader who has brought honour to Nigeria. We pray for greater strength and continued relevance for him.”
Aiyedatiwa celebrates King Sunny Ade at 80
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State was not left out. He felicitated with the legendary musician, King Sunny Ade, on his 80th birthday, describing him as a distinguished son of Ondo Kingdom and foremost cultural ambassador of the state.
Aiyedatiwa said King Sunny Ade had carried the rich heritage, identity and traditions of the people to audiences across Nigeria and the world through his remarkable musical career.
The governor said the musician had not only attained global recognition for his music but had also remained a great promoter of the state’s culture, language and values.
He said King Sunny Ade’s contribution to Nigerian music and enduring influence on generations of musicians had earned him a special place in the nation’s cultural history.
According to him, the musician’s achievements remained a source of immense pride to the people of Ondo State, having demonstrated how their cultural heritage could serve as a powerful instrument for connecting the people to the wider world.
Aiyedatiwa described the 80th birthday as a significant milestone worthy of celebration and an opportunity to acknowledge an exceptional musician and illustrious son of Ondo Kingdom whose life and achievements had brought honour to the state and enriched Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Ondo State, I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to you,” he said.
The governor prayed that Almighty God would continue to bless King Sunny Ade with good health, peace and fulfilment and grant him many more years of inspiring generations and contributing to the promotion of the state’s rich cultural heritage.