Eniola Yekini
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated Nigerian Juju music legend, Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade (KSA), on his 80th birthday, describing him as a statesman, community man and a reference point in Nigeria’s creative industry.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, described the music icon as a global ambassador of Nigerian culture and one of Africa’s pioneers who successfully took the country’s music to the international stage.
The governor said King Sunny Ade’s remarkable career had earned him international acclaim while bringing honour to Nigeria and the African continent.
He noted that for more than six decades, the Juju maestro had remained a reference point in Nigeria’s creative industry, using his music to promote unity, joy and cultural identity.
Sanwo-Olu described the octogenarian as an elder statesman, community leader and respected music maestro whose career had transcended entertainment to become a vehicle for social connection and cultural promotion.
“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,” the governor said.
He expressed gratitude to God for the life and contributions of King Sunny Ade, saying the musician had deployed his talent and intellect positively for the benefit of society.
“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,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu further celebrated King Sunny Ade as a distinguished Nigerian whose accomplishments had projected the country’s cultural heritage beyond its shores.
“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,” the governor added.
King Sunny Ade, who has enjoyed a career spanning more than six decades, is widely regarded as one of the leading figures in the development and international popularisation of Juju music.