But the controversial mayor calls in sick for work during the celebrations

Feb 7, 2014 08:28 GMT  ·  By

So large is Rob Ford's love for the reggae singer Bob Marley, that he actually managed to get him his own personal holiday in the Canadian city of Toronto. Ford, who is a controversial figure on the political stage, is most commonly known for admitting that he smoked crack cocaine and for his outrageous comments in the press.

Ford and Marley have a long history together, as the LA Times points out. Back in December, Rob managed to get the entire council meeting dancing on Marley's “One Love.” The event was captured on video and it made the rounds on the internet, causing enjoyment.

“Bob Marley Day” was marked by an official proclamation from the eccentric mayor which said, among others, “WHEREAS each year on February 6, we honour the legacy of Robert (Bob) Nesta Marley, an influential musician, advocate for human rights and international ambassador of peace.”

The proclamation ends with “NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Rob Ford, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim February 6, 2014 as ‘Bob Marley Day’ in the City of Toronto.”

The funny thing is that, after making it “Bob Marley Day” an official event, mayor Rob decided to call in sick on February 6, apparently choosing to celebrate the day at home. He didn't show up at City Hall on February 6, despite the fact that media was eagerly awaiting his arrival for interviews.

After his office was contacted, it was revealed that he had indeed called in sick, “The mayor is not feeling well today. He has taken the day off,” said Amin Massoudi, Ford's press secretary.

It seems that Ford isn't the first mayor to show a deep love of Bob Marley. The tradition began in 1991 with Mayor Art Eggleton and today Toronto has a special place in its heart for the singer that brought his “message of peace, love and unity” to the world.