Issue 187 C1

Guy Murray-Bruce, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo & Ayodele Subair

Prince Nduka Obiagbena & his daughters

Prince Nduka Obiagbena, Tony Elumelu, Godwin Emefiele, Mr Jim Ovia & Governor Ifeanyi Okowa

Top Nigerians raise toast to a living legend

Prince Nduka Obiagbena Obaigbena saying thank you

Tony Braxton performing on stage

Prince Nduka Obiagbena & Tony Braxton

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Wizkid performing on stage

Tiwa Savage performing on stage

VETERAN JOURNALIST AND POLITICIAN

CHIEF SEGUN OSOBA’S GLORIOUS 8OTH BIRTHDAY Photo: Adekoya Adegbite & Ken Ehimen

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Aremo Olusegun Osoba & family

ko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos was filled to capacity with the cream of Nigerian society when veteran journalist and celebrated politician, Chief Olusegun Osoba hosted a book launch to commemorate his 80th birthday.

The size and quality of guests reflected his quality as a bridge-builder and detribalised Nigerian. The two planks of the book–politics and mediawere fairly represented.

Among those that graced the occasion were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who was the keynote speaker; former Head of State and chairman of the event, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, and his wife, Justice Fati; Senate President, Ahmed Lawan; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase; Chairman Nigerian Governors Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State; former national chairmen of APC, Chief Bisi Akande and Chief John Odigie-Oyegun as well as the National Leader of the party and former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The book titled: Battlelines: Adventures In Journalism & Politics and published by Diamond Publishers Limited chronicles many major periods in Nigeria's political history.

In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd) described Chief Osoba as a rare breed who is an epitome of hardwork and honesty.

The former military leader, whom

the celebrant later described as the “father of present democracy” in Nigeria buttressed the fact that the author is a detribalised Nigerian. “We have always regarded ourselves as brothers without focus on our differences. While he is a Christian, I am a Muslim. While he is from the Southwest, I am from what you call North central. While I retired as a general of the Nigerian Army, he left as journalism general. While providence gave me the opportunity to be head of state, he was an elected civilian governor of Ogun State. While he enjoyed the support of a dutiful wife who is also a successful educationist and school proprietor, I have been blessed with a wife who acquitted herself well in the judiciary.

“Notwithstanding what many may see as differences, we have other things that define us. Even as both of us are pensioners, we still busy ourselves thinking of Nigeria. Without being immodest, I think we both possess a deep interest in the affairs of our country. We both want the best for Nigeria. We want Nigeria to remain a great blessing to Nigerians, Africans and the world in general. We want Nigeria to work with clarity of purpose.

We want Nigerians to walk tall all over the world. We want Nigerians to believe in their country, believe in themselves and work with elected and appointed officials of the state to make a qualitative improvement in the quality of life.”

In his keynote address at the

Senate President Ahmed Lawan with Chief Osoba and special guests launching the book

H.E. Rtd Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, H.E. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo & Aremo Olusegun Osoba

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Aremo Olusegun Osoba & wife receiving a special birthday card from Asiwaju Bola Tinubu & Senior Members of Lagos APC

Aremo Olusegun being celebrated by Methodist Boys High School, Lagos school mates of 1956

Aremo Olusegun Osoba & wife, H.E. Prince Dapo Abiodun & wife, H.E. Mr. Babajide Sanwo Olu & Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Aremo Olusegun Osoba with President, Methodist Old Boys, Alapini of Lagos, Chief Gbolahan Oderinde

Kola Abiola & Bashorun Dele Momodu

Chairman of the occasion, Former Head of State, Rtd Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar

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Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo delivering his key note address

Book Reviewer, Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi

Hajia Bisi Abiola (right)

Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Chief Salako Oyedele & H.E. Engr Noimot Oyedele (Deputy Gov. Ogun State)

General Manager, Eko Hotel & Suites, Mr. Danny Kioupouroglou greeting Oba of Lagos

Obong Victor Attah, Aremo Olusegun Osoba with Mr. Rotimi Amaechi

Bashorun Dele Momodu with HRM. Oba Rilwan Akiolu

(Middle) Dr. Oba Otudeko

R-l: Sen. Lanre Tejuoso, Mr. Wale Okuniyi, Senator Tolu Odebiyi & Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele

Prince Aderemi Sijuwade

Chief Michael Olawale-Cole

Prince Bisi Olatilo

Mr. Gboyega Isiaka

Bashorun JK Randle

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Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, Sen. President Ahmed Lawan, Justice Fati Abubakar with Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar

Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Rt. Hon. Gbenga Obasa & Dr. Wale Babalakin, SAN

Prof. Pat Utomi, Olorogun (Dr.) Sunny Kuku with Prince Samuel Adedoyin

Mr. & Mrs. Donald Duke & wife with Senator Godswill Akpabio

Mr. Dare Babarinsa (left)

Kola Abiola, Mr. Eniola Bello & Bashorun Dele Momodu

Amb. Babagana Kingibe, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje with Governor Kayode Fayemi

Pastor Tunde Bakare & wife & Senator Olurunimbe Mamora

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Bashorun Dele Momodu with Mr. Cornelius Oyemade

Alhaja Salmotu Badru & Senator Florence Ita-Giwa

Aremo Olusegun Osoba & Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

H.E. Kayode Fayemi

ceremony that had veteran broadcaster, Prince Bisi Olatilo as Compere, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo described Chief Osoba as a man who is always at the right place at the right time. Recounting earth-shaking exclusive stories reported by the celebrator in his days as a journalist.

In the address entitled “We Need To Form Alliances Across Faiths And Ethnicities To Destroy The Evil Of Extremism That Confronts Us All”, Osinbajo stated: “The most remarkable attribute of this illustrious Nigerian is his pan-Nigerianism; that effortless ability to build bridges and make friends from across various divides.

“He has that gift of connecting with people, earning their trust and confidence, of being able to get along

with a diverse cast of Nigerians from all walks of life.

This has evidently contributed greatly to the successes he has notched up in his twin careers of journalism and politics.”

According to the vice president, “the collapse of our national achievements and attainments at every stage of our history has been that Achilles heel, the tribal and religious suspicions, the inability at crucial moments to bridge the gaps of ethnic and religious prejudice. So, from the execution of the coup of 1966, the countercoup, later that year, and the Civil War, starting in 1967, it is clear that these tragedies occurred because the once united military wing of the Nigerian elite finally gave way to its basest instincts – ethnicity and tribal prejudices. Years later, the scars and fractures

remain.”

On the book, he said: “Osoba’s story also tells us how the political elite also played the ethnic card to defeat what would have been a national struggle for democracy; the struggle to restore MKO Abiola’s mandate won by votes enthusiastically given by men and women of all tribes and faiths across the country, including the Kano home state of his opponent.

“But it wasn’t difficult to begin a process of delegitimising it. The tactic is the same and the consequences devastatingly effective: ethnicize it. And so, they did. Northern governors of the NRC, the party that lost the election, issued a statement saying that Abiola should be advised to give up his campaign for the restoration of the June 12th mandate, that any such

L-r: Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Nelson & Chief (Mrs.) Bisi Abiola

Prince & Mrs. John Momoh

Otunba Niyi Adebayo & Chief Bisi Akande

H.E. Prince Dapo Abiodun & wife, H.E. Mr. Babajide SanwoOlu & Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

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Prince Adesuyi Haastrup (right)

Olu Jacobs & Jimi Solanke

Mrs. Modele Sarafa-Yusuf with Dr. Doyin Abiola

Bashorun Dele Momodu, Chief Rasak Okoya & Otunba Bimbo Ashiru

Gen. Alani Akinrinade (Rtd) with Prof. Adebayo Williams

Louis Odion & Tunji Bello

restoration should begin with the restoration of the sacred mandate given to Shehu Shagari and forcefully taken from him in the wake of the 1983 military coup.

The Eastern NRC governors had earlier issued a statement threatening a secession of the Eastern states from the rest of the country, if the annulment of the June 12 election was reversed.

“Osoba’s life and times speak most eloquently to the power of building bridges, finding common ground, and resisting divisive narratives, especially in a country as diverse as Nigeria, a country where it is extremely easy to find reasons to languish in stereotypes and suspicions, where far too many of us by default, lapse into ethnic camps.”The Senate president said Osoba’s memoir was full of lessons for Nigerians. “This country is blessed and rich in diversity. This diversity is meant to be our strength. No country develops without trust. Those at the helms of affairs should show that clear sense of leadership, confidence, trust and good judgment to earn the people’s trust. We cannot afford to continue to think as if we are in different nations.”

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in his remarks noted that Chief Osoba was an open book who is very straight forward in all his dealings. He revealed that the former Ogun State Governor was a very patriotic and passionate Nigerian.

Tinubu said “Osoba is such an open person such that

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any story you don’t want to tell any other person, don’t relay it to Osoba.”Tinubu also said the author demonstrated uncommon commitment when he was with him for almost two hours on his sick bed. “He showed me all the details of his illness and also expressed concerns about the party on the same spot.”

There were speeches from Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Amb. Babagana Kingibe, Oba of Lagos, HRM Rilwan Akiolu and many others.

The official unveiling was conducted by the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan assisted by the Vice President. The stage was filled with Nigeria's political heavyweights.

An emotional Chief Osoba, who invited all his classmates (members of the 1956 Old Boys Association of Methodist Boys High School led by the Alapini of Lagos, Chief Gbolahan Oderinde) to join him centre stage, thanked everyone who came to honour him on such a special day.

He paid glowing tribute to his wife, Beere Derin Osoba whom he described as the Vice Chancellor of the household for her love and support over the years.

The event was attended by top politicians, captains of Industry, media moguls and traditional rulers.

Yinka Davies

THE OKOYAS HONOUR PARENTS WITH SPECIAL FIDAU PRAYERS Photo: Adekoya Adegbite

Chief Rasak Okoya, Alhaja Wosilat Seriki, & Alhaji Tajudeen Okoya

Otunba Funso Lawal, HE Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu & Chief Rasak Okoya

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Chief Missioner, Anssr-ud-deen Society, Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Ahmad with other clerics

iillionaire businessman and Aare of Lagos, Chief Rasak Okoya has honoured his parents big time.

Chief Okoya who is Chairman, Eleganza Group joined by his siblings, Alhaji Tajudeen Okoya and Mrs Wosilat Seriki hosted a fidua prayer session in memory of their parents: Alhaji Tiamiyu Ayinde Okoya and Alhaja Idiyat Abeke Okoya.

Held at Chief Okoya's imposing Oluwanisola Estate home in Lekki, Lagos, the event which featured koranic recitation and prayers by various islamic clerics saw Chief Missioner, Ansar-ud-deen Society Of

Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya, Chief Rasak Okoya, HE Dr Femi Hamzat with Alhaja Tajudeen Okoya

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Mrs. Remi Hamzat & H.E. Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu

Nigeria, Shiekh Abdur-Rahman Olanrewaju Ahmad delivering the sermon.

Sheikh Ahmad harped on the need for children to honour their parents, respect them, love them, pray for them and never abandon them.

He stated that no matter how rich children are they must serve their parents till they die.

He praised Chief Okoya and his siblings for inviting everyone to pray for their parents and prayed for their continued success In his remarks, Chief Okoya stated that his father died when he was 25 years old and he had to grow up

fast, taking care of his siblings and mother.

He noted that despite having established his own business, he was compelled by his mother to work in his father's outfit till he died, noting that the remembrance was to show that he appreciated their impact on his life.

The prayers over, the venue exploded into a classy party venue with loads to eat and drink.

As usual for Chief Okoya's events, the prayer session was attended by the cream of Lagos society including the Governor, Mr Babatunde Sanwo-Olu, his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat with their wives.

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Senator Lanre Tejuoso, Alhaja Kuburat Okoya & Chief Demola Seriki

Chief Samuel Adedoyin, Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya & Chief Rasaq Okoya

(R) Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye

L-r: Mrs. Joko Oni & Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya

Mr. Gbenga Obasa, Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya & Alhaja Kuburat Okoya

R-l: Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye & Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya

Olori Muyibat Oyefusi of Ikorodu, Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya & Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu

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Oba of Lagos' Wives & Erelu of Lagos, Princess Abiola Dosunmu

Mrs. Maiden Ibru, Chief (Mrs) Shade Okoya & Alhaja Risikat Jakande

Chief (Mrs). Iyabo Martins-Kuye & Chief (Mrs.) Bisi Abiola

Sir. Kesington Adebutu & Chief Rasak Okoya

Mrs. Remi Hamzat, H.E. Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo Olu & Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya

Chief Rasak Okoya with Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya, Executive Vice Chairman, Eleganza Group

Prince Samuel Adedoyin, Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya & Chief Rasak

Chief Okoya with staff of Eleganza Industries

R-l: Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, Olori Tokunbo Eko & friends

Chief Demola Seriki, Prince Kauyode & Hon. Funmi Tejuoso

Bolaji Onibudo & Michael Effiong, Editor, Ovation Magazine

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Alhaji Tajudeen, Mr Taiwo, Chief Rasak Okoya, Mrs Tosin Alobo-Bakare, Mrs Olayinka Taiwo & Mr Deji Okoya-Thomas

Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya & Alhaji Tai Elemesho-Okesanjo

Olori Adetokunbo Eko, Chief (Mrs) Shade Okoya, Wosilat Seriki & Mrs. Modele Sarafa-Yusuf

Alhaji Bashir Fakorede & wife with Chief Rasak Okoya & Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya

Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya & Lagos State Police PRO Dolapo Badmus

Mrs. Wosilat Seriki, Olori Yetunde Tejuoso, Chief Rasak Okoya, Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya, Olori Omolara Tejuoso & Olori Labisi Tejuoso

(L-R) Otunba Funsho Lawal & Chief Rasak Okoya

Chief Rasak Okoya & H.E. Mr. Babajide Sanwo Olu (Gov. of Lagos State)

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R-l: Ace broadcaster, Prince Bisi Olatilo & wife, Shade with guests

Alhaja Tai Elemesho-Okesanjo, Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas & Mrs. Wosilat Seriki

Chief Missioner, Ansar-ud-deen Society, Shiekh Abdulrahman Ahmad

Chief Rasak Okoya delivering his speech

(R) Maureen Onigbanjo

Prince Aderemi Sijuwade & Mr. Tunde Oshinowo

Mr. & Mrs. Bojwani with Chief Rasak Okoya

The Okoyas with Chief Missioner, Ansar-ud-deen Society, Sheikh Ahmad

(L ) Wahaab Okoya

(R ) Subomi Okoya

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Chief & Chief (Mrs) Rasak Okoya with Chief S.O. Babalola

(L ) Alhaja Rashidat Okoya

Mr.& Mrs. Ayodele Subir

Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd) with wife, Gwen

Chief Rasak Okoya, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya & Hajia Abah Folawiyo

Chief (Mrs) Moji Dokpesi, Otunba Seni & Janet Adetu with Kenny St Best

Alhaja Kuburat Okoya, Biola Okoya, Tokunbo Okoya & guest

Hajia Abah Folawiyo & Risikat Jakande

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Princess Adebimpe, Princess Folashade & Princess Adesola

Mr. & Mrs. Ashaye with Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya

HONOUR FOR RENOWNED HISTORIAN, PA Photo: Adekoya Adegbite

ADEKUNLE OJELABI

Pastor (Mrs.) Ojelabi, Mr. Tonye Cole, Chief (Mrs.) Bola Obasanjo, Pastor Dotun Ojelabi, Prof. Nanji Akintoye, Pastor Wale Adefarasin, Mr. Adebola Williams & Former Hon. Min. of Liberia

Pastor (Mrs.) Ojelabi, Mr. Tonye Cole, Pastor Dotun Ojelabi, Pastor Wale Adefarasin & Mr. Adebola Williams

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Mr. Tonye Cole, Otunba Femi Pedro & Pastor Dotun Ojelabi

ne of Nigerian’s most renowned historians, Professor (Chief) Adekunle Ojelabi would have been 80 years old this year if he was

alive.

It is for this reason that his children and admirers hosted a post-homous birthday and presentation of an updated version of his textbook on West African History.

Held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, the event which was also used to launch a foundation in his honour was chaired by Mrs Bola Obasanjo who was representing her husband, former President, Chief

Mr. Idy Enang with Mr Soni Irabor

Chief (Mrs.) Bola Obasanjo & Pastor Wale Adefarasin

Olusegun Obasanjo.

The event began with an opening prayer by Pastor Wale Adefarasin after which Saxofix & Equinox Band delivered the national anthem.

The occasion was given a touch of spice when Fehinti Ojelabi wowed with a spoken word performance.

It was soon turn of Fikunayo Ojelabi to read the impressive biography of late Professor Ojelabi.

The late Ojelabi graduated from Canada's Carleton University, Ottawa and served as an Information Officer of the Federal Government before becoming a

School Principal.

The keynote address which was presented by Pastor Tunde Bakare was delivered by Mr. Idy Enang As a writer, he worked on a number of books on history and government, the most popular a Textbook on West African History, which was presented before the launch of the Adekunle Ojelabi Foundation.

Guests at the event included: Prof. Stephen Adebanjo Akintoye, Hon. Augustine Ngafuan, Mr. Tonye Cole, Chief Kenny Martins, Apostle Alex and Debola Williams.

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Pastor Wale Adefarasin

Prof. Banji Akintoye

Mr. Soni Irabor

Chief Kenny Martins (left) & guests

Prof. Banji Akintoye & Pastor Dotun Ojelabi

MC Comedian with Pastor & Pastor (Mrs) Dotun Ojelabi

Mr. Tonye Cole & Pastor Dotun Ojelabi

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Pastor Dotun Ojelabi & son

OLORI ADESOLAMI F

ANIFALAJE CELEBRATES 70TH BIRTHDAY IN GRAND STYLE Photo: Ken Ehimen

riends, family members, colleagues and well wishers gathered at the All Souls Anglican Church, Bodija, Ibadan to celebrate the goodness of God in the life of Olori Adesolabomi Olufemi Anifalaje as she joined the septuagenarian club in grand style.

The well attended event was an admixture of testimonies, songs, thanksgivings and outright wining and dining.

Fondly called Olori, the very agile woman, who defied age to dance her

heart out in happiness, was full of gratitude to God, her children and friends alike for the opportunity to celebrate such a glorious event.

In his message, the Officiating Minister, Venerable B. B. O. Obaweya, praised the outstanding virtues of the celebrant, and prayed she continues to serve in the vineyard of the Lord.

With the thanksgiving service over, guests moved to the Civic Centre, in the heart of Ibadan, for a classy one-in-town reception and were treated to the best of food and drinks.

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Olori Adesolabomi Olufemi Anifalaje, celebrant Ven. Engr. B. B. O. Obaweya

The birthday celebration was attended by dignitaries including Oba Eddy Oyewole, Oba Kolawole Adegbola, Prof. & Chief Mrs. A. O. G. Adeuja, Engr. Olu Abogan and many friends of her son, a marketing communicstions topshot, Jiire Ainfalaje such as Hon. Shina Peller, Mr. Abisoye Fagade, Hon. Bola Fatoki Ale & his wife, Mayor Akinpelu, Hon. Giwa Amata, Hon. Akin Akinrodoye, Agbaakin Olajide Adeniyi, Engr. Ayodele Ogunlana, Mr. Wale Ewedemi, Prince Adeyemi Aseperi, Prince Yinka Oyedeji, Mr. Biodun Kupoluyi, Mr. Akin Adeoyo, Mr. Mike Dada, Pastor Mayokun Oreofe, Kunle Afolayan, Kayode Alfred, Gbobaniyi Femi Davies, Mr. Biodun Oshinibosi, Michael Effiong, Wole Olagundoye, Kayode Olagesin and Mr Tade Adekunle.

Mrs. Adedoyin Alausa with Mrs. Ayodele Odigie

Mr. Bayo Sanni with Tutu

Kess Oreofe with Pst. Mayokun Oreofe

Olori Adesolabomi Olufemi Anifalaje with the officiating Ministers of God

Olori Adesolabomi Olufemi Anifalaje with the Church Choir

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Olori Adesolabomi Olufemi Anifalaje with her family

Olori Adesolabomi Olufemi Anifalaje cutting her birthday cake

Mr. Akin Adeoya, Mr. Biodun Kupoluyi & Mr Abisoye Fagade

Prince Yinka Oyedeji, Agbaakin Olajide, Mr. Wale Ewedemi with Engr. Ayodele Ogunlana

Olori Adesolabomi Olufemi Anifalaje with her grandchildren, Lizzie Anifalaje, Josie Anifalaje

Oba Kolawole Adegbola, Olori Adesolabomi Olufemi Anifalaje with Oba Edy Oyewole & his Olori

Honorable Bola Fatoki Ale & her husband

Jide, Kayode, Gbobaniyi Femi Davies with Teju

Gbobaniyi Femi Davies, Kayode Alfred with Hon. Shina Peller

Mike Dada, Michael Effiong with Prince Aseperi

Left, Jide, Mr. Kunle Afolayan, right

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