Tinubu’s congratulatory message to the clergyman was conveyed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled, ‘President Tinubu celebrates his eminence, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, on 80th birthday.’
Born on January 29, 1944, in Kabba town of present-day Kogi State, Onaiyekan attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Kabba from 1949 to 1956, Mount St. Michael’s Secondary School in Aliade, Benue State, from 1957-1962, and Ss. Peter & Paul Major Seminary in Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, from 1963-1965.
In October 1980, Pope John Paul II appointed Onaiyekan to a five-year term on the International Theological Commission. The following month, he joined the International Catholic/Methodist Dialogue Commission.
Onaiyekan was the Archbishop of Abuja from 1994 to 2019 and also served as the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, and Bishop of Ilorin.
From 2005 through 2007, his stance against the third-term ambition of former President Olusegun Obasanjo earned him credit for saving Nigeria from the imposition of a dictatorship.
He was named Pax Christi International’s 2012 Peace Laureate. In a consistory on November 24, 2012, Onaiyekan was created a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI.
Ngelale stated, “President Tinubu celebrates the exceptional religious leader who has used his calling not only to preach the good gospel of Jesus Christ, but also followed his example by fighting for the downtrodden and speaking out against the ills in society, yet remains unbending in the pursuit of peace and unity in Nigeria.
“The President thanks His Eminence for his sacrifices and efforts in peace-building in Nigeria over the years, assuring him that his hope and prayers for a glorious and united Nigeria will be made manifest.”
Tinubu wished the clergyman more prosperous years in the Lord’s Vineyard.
Meanwhile, former President Muhammadu Buhari, also eulogised Onaiyekan, describing him as a bright light on the nation’s path to democracy and development.
In a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the former President said Onaiyekan was always at the forefront in serving the poor and the deprived.
“I will always remember Cardinal Onaiyekan in his support and partnership to make the nation a better place especially on the issues of social harmony, universal brotherhood and inclusive development,” said Buhari.
