Events

Glamour, Glitz As Esama of Benin, Gabriel Igbinedion Celebrates 89th Birthday

Published

1 year ago

September 23, 2023

Eric

By Eric Elezuo Photos: Ken Ehimen

The Esama of Benin an pioneer of the Okada Dynasty, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion CFR, CON, KSJI, has always been a censure of many eyes wherever the journey of life takes him, and his 89th birthday celebration was another opportunity for another razzmatazz.

carnival as people gather from all parts of the world to celebrate the great Esama of Benin Kingdom.

A philanthropist of no mean repute, business mogul, and politician, Chief Igbinedion left no stone unturned to ensure that this year’s celebration tagged “His Grace is sufficient for me”, sustains the carnival-like identity it has always been known for, while reflecting testimonies of his numerous achievements in life.

With wholesome lineup of activities, the birthday celebrations held in various locations including his Benin palatial home and the prestigious Archangel Gabriel Catholic Church, along Sapele Road, where the thanksgiving mass was held.

The celebrant Chief Sir Dr Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, accompanied by his wife, Lady Cherry Igbinedion, his son and former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion his siblings among other dignitaries arrived the Archangel Gabriel Catholic Church, to a warm reception by the members of Archangel Gabriel Catholic Church community with band parade.

The Mass was celebrated by the Catholic Archbishop of Benin Archdiocese, Most Rev Dr Augustine Akubueze, represented by the Vicar General of the Archdiocese, Very Rev Fr Dr Augustine Ehigie.

Because of it’s a unique nature, the Parish Priest, Rev Fr Jerome Idegbe took time to introduce the essence of the day, after which he invited all to be part of the thanksgiving Mass.

Speaking during the homily titled Uncommon Path to Peace, the Parish Priest, St Francis Catholic Church, Benin City, Rev Fr Dr Andrew Obiyan, paid glowing tribute to the Esama, with emphasis on how he built peace and empowered his community.

According to Fr Obiyan, Chief Igbinedion was a man with intimidating kind heart, whose greatness is not in the riches and wealth he has acquired, but in his unrelenting act of generosity.

Dignitaries that attended the Mass were the Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shuaibu, Senator Matthew Uroide, High Commissioners and Representatives of High Commissions so from over 15 countries including, Jamaica, South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Mauritania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, bostwana, Cameroon among others.

There was also a large turnout of traditional rulers within and outside of Nigeria led by the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who was represented by over 20 notable traditional rulers from the south west of Nigeria.

Also the traditional rulers and title holders from the Benin Kingdom were fully represented, led by the highly revered Ilawure of Usen Kingdom, HRM Oluide II and a host of Benin Chiefs and traditional title holders.

The highpoint of the event was the thanksgiving procession by Chief Igbinedion and his immediate family members, amid soulful renditions from the Archangel Gabriel Parish choir.

Dwelling further on the theme of the day, “His Grace is sufficient for me”, the Chancellor, Catholic Archdiocese of Benin, Rev Fr Dr Mike Oyanoafoh also extolled God’s goodness on the celebrant just as the Vicar General of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin, Very Rev Fr Dr Augustine Ehigie led in rendering a happy birthday song.

Responding on behalf of the House of Igbinedion, a former Governor of Edo State and son of the celebrant, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, expressed joy at the love showered on their patriarch on his birthday.

He prayed for journey mercies for all those who have come to celebrate their father

Speaking on behalf of some of the dignitaries that graced the occasion the representative of the Mauritanian High Commission in Nigeria, Mrs Stella Arhewo, and the APC governorship candidate in next year’s Edo State governorship election Hon. E.J Agbonayiwa described the celebrant as a Man who has added value to the lives of many.

Guests at the birthday thanksgiving Mass were later hosted to a lavish reception at tastefully decorated country home of the Esama of Benin Kingdom where music was supplied by a host of upcoming artists, live band, cultural troupes among others.

The colorful event was rounded off with the cutting of the 89th birthday cake of the Esama of Benin Kingdom His Excellency Chief Sir Dr Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion , done his behalf by his son, Lucky Igbinedion, his siblings and selected dignitaries.

Events

Adedapo Amoo Gives Dad Befitting Burial in Ogbomosho

Published

4 weeks ago

December 16, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

It was a period of solemn reflection and thanksgiving as the Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Lagos State Command, Mr. Adedapo Amoo, dedicated three whole days to bid his beloved father, Pa John Adewole Amoo JP, farewell to the great beyond.

The events, which gathered friends, family members, colleagues, associates and members of various communities, was a testament to the life the octogenarian lived in his 87 years of existence on earth.

The obsequies kickstarted with a Commendation Service at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Eleyele, Ile-Ife, where members of the public eulogised the life and times of the patriarch of the Amoo dynasty, labeling him a moralist and disciplinary of no mean fit.

The day after, the ceremonies moved to the residence of the deceased at Castle of Mercy, Arinkinkin, along Oyo-Ibadan Road, Ogbomoso, where a Wake Service was held in his honour amid rendition of hymns, reading of distinct chapters of the Bible and exhortation as presented by the presiding minister.

A well attended funeral service was observed on the third day at the Stadium Baptist Church, John A. Amoo Street, right behind Stadium Complex in Ogbomosho.

With a solemn presentation of the enviable life of the deceased via the reading of his biography by his son, Adedapo Amoo, the Service delved into Bible readings, songs and sermon. One of the highlights of the Service was the prayers said for the repose of the soul of the dead, and for the fortitude to bear the loss for members of his family.

After the service, members of the family, selected members of the leity and officiating members proceeded with the remains to its final resting place within the premises of his residence. After a very short encouraging exhortation, the remains were committed to mother-earth amid solemn hymns and silent sobs.

The final part of the ceremony, which was the reception, was held at the Viva Continental Event Centre, Irese Apa Road, also in Ogbomosho, where guests were treated to sumptuous delicacies, good music and choice beverages.

Pa Amoo was born in 1937, and answered the call to glory in 2024. He is survived by his son, Adedapo Amoo and a host of others.

May his soul rest in peace!

Photos: Tunde Bolarinwa

Events

The Splendid Diamond Jubilee Celebration of Barr. Daniel Aramide

Published

6 months ago

July 28, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The ancient city of Abeokuta was agog when celebrated lawyer and businessman, Barrister Daniel Aramide, pulled all stops to give himself a well deserved diamond jubilee bash.

The event, which took place in his palatial residence at Boldan House, Kemta Housing Estate, Zone II, Idi Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State, was a beehive of activities as friends, colleagues, family members and well wishers came in their numbers to grace the spectacular event.

It was a moment of joy and visible emotion as the birthday boy beamed smiles after smiles and grinned from ear to ear in absolute ecstacy amid cheers from guests even as he danced away to the sonorous voice of music maestro, Yinka Ayefele, and tunes from the wheels of DJ Secxy, who rocked the house with a combination of oldies and present sounds.

The event, planned by Que-Brand Events, also made available plenty to eat and drink as Topsy Catering, Jimmysgrillz, Pop House Cocktails, Slot Films, Amala Iya Oyo, Sansan Pots Catering and Annidre’s Food were all on hand to serve both local and continent dishes as well as assorted beverages.

Among dignitaries in attendance were the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta, HRM (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, Otileta VII; the Olowu of Owu Kuta, HRM, Oba Hameed Adekunle Makama Oyelude; Mrs. Funmi Kehinde, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola and friends from the United Kingdom.

A seasoned lawyer, Aramide graduated with LLB honors from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England, and later attended the Nigerian Law School. He was called to the Bar in 1989, and afterwards, returned to England to start his law career, working in several organizations to gain valuable experience.

Barrister Aramide is also a qualified Notary Public, having completed two years of studies at University College London. His firm is based in Dagenham, East London.

He is married to Alhaja Aminat Bolupe Aramide and they are blessed with three children: Bola, Emmanuel and Olamide.

Photos: Segun Lawal

Events

Sights and Sounds from Bimbo Oloyede’s ‘Command Your Stage’ Book Presentation

Published

7 months ago

June 9, 2024

Eric

Photos by Koya Adegbite

Veteran broadcaster, Mrs Bimbo Oloyede, on Thursday, hosted a public presentation of her new book, Command Your Stage, at the Metropolitan Place, in Victoria Island.