By Our Reporter
Agbaka of Alagbaka in Ondo State, HRH Afolabi Obasuyi, has urged graduating students of Command Day Secondary School, Akure, to embrace leadership not as a title, but as a lifestyle grounded in integrity, discipline, and compassion.
Speaking at the school’s 13th Valedictory Service held in honour of the 2025 graduating class on Wednesday, the monarch emphasized that true leadership does not require age, status, or riches, but begins with everyday decisions.
“It is not your school uniform, your title, or even your background that makes you a leader,” the Agbaka said. “It is your daily decisions, your discipline, your integrity, and your compassion.”
Addressing the students as both a father and mentor, the royal father dismissed the notion that leadership is reserved for the distant future or for the privileged few.
“Many of you think leadership comes later — when you’re older, richer, or more famous. But I tell you, it starts the moment you decide to make a difference.”
He challenged the graduates to begin demonstrating leadership in the way they speak, forgive, serve, and treat others—especially those who may have nothing to offer in return.
The monarch praised the values of excellence, honor, and discipline instilled by the school and urged the students not to discard them after graduation.
“Let your leadership show in how you carry yourself, how you handle power, and how you respond to success—with humility and grace,” he said. “Nigeria needs leaders who inspire through character, not noise.”
He concluded with a poignant charge to the graduates:
“May your voices be used to uplift, not to destroy. And remember: a crown is not only worn on the head; it is carried in the heart.”
The audience responded with applause, with many describing the royal father’s message as both timely and transformative.
The traditional Ruler also received award of recognition by the management of the Command Day School Akure for his outstanding and excellent contribution towards the development of the school.
