Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and fans of legendary Nigerian musician, King Sunny Ade, have celebrated the juju music maestro as he clocks 80.

Aiyedatiwa, in a birthday message issued on Tuesday, described Ade as a distinguished son of Ondo Kingdom and one of the foremost cultural ambassadors of the state.

The governor said the musician had promoted Ondo State’s cultural heritage, identity and traditions through his music while taking Nigerian juju music to audiences around the world.

He said Ade’s contribution to Nigerian music and influence on generations of musicians had earned him a place in the country’s cultural history.

Aiyedatiwa described the 80th birthday as a significant milestone and an opportunity to recognise Ade’s achievements and contribution to Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

Meanwhile, fans and admirers of the musician took to social media on Tuesday to celebrate him with goodwill messages and prayers.

King Sunny Ade, whose real name is Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, was born on September 22, 1946. He began his musical career in the 1960s and formed his own band in 1967, which later became known as the African Beats.

He gained international recognition after signing with Island Records in the early 1980s, releasing albums including Juju Music and Synchro System.

Synchro System earned him a Grammy nomination in 1984 for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording, making him the first Nigerian artist to receive a Grammy nomination. He later received another nomination for Odu.