By Eric Elezuo

His entry into the nonagerian club was nothing short of classy and grandiose, beginning on August 2, through to August 9, when a superlative get-together was held at the Harbour Point Event Centre, in Lagos, to mark a significant milestone in a life dedicated to public service, economic development, and cultural preservation.

The celebrations drew dignitaries ranging from traditional rulers, captains of industries, entertainment buffs, notable politicians to immediate and extended family members from across the country and abroad to Lagos, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II.

Alex-Duduyemi, according to a statement by the family, dedicated the last nine decades of his life to the growth and transformation of his community, state, and nation.

“His milestone birthday is not just a celebration of longevity but a reflection of a life defined by vision, service, and unwavering dedication to the values of integrity, excellence, and heritage.

“Born in 1935, Chief Alex-Duduyemi’s achievements span the fields of governance, business, philanthropy, and traditional leadership: Public Service: A prominent figure in Nigeria’s Second Republic, Chief Alex-Duduyemi was elected to the Federal House of Representatives from 1964 to 1966 and was a Parliamentary Secretary – Cabinet Office, Lagos, from 1965 to 1966.”

“Business Leadership: He built a successful career in commerce and industry, contributing to economic growth through ventures in real estate, oil and gas, and other key sectors. His business acumen earned him widespread respect across the nation and beyond.

“As a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he is cherished for his wisdom, guidance, and unwavering commitment to family values. His home is one of unity, warmth, and moral grounding, a place where generations have been nurtured by his strength, discipline, and deep affection,” the statement read.

The ebullient giver had kickstarted his 90th birthday celebration with the commissioning of his newly renovated and sprawling edifice known as the Itedunmi Asarogun Orunmiyan Royal Compound Hall, one of his many corporate social responsibility efforts to the society. Afterwards, the nonagerian hosted the community to a classy pre-90th birthday  soiree, where the best of music and delicacies were served to the maximum.

Few days later, there was a convergence of royalty, class, achievements, leadership and religiosity in Lagos for a mother of all parties with the best of the society bigwigs personally signing off their names in attendance.

Among them were His Imperial Magesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; the Dein of Agbor, His Royal Majesty, Benjamin Ikenchukwu; the Deputy Gov of Osun State, H.E. Prince Kola Adewusi; Former Gov of Osun, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Olori Morisola Sijuwade, Former DSS Director, Mr Kayode Are and wife; and notable Members of the Island Club and  Yoruba Tennis Club

Others were AIG Tunji Alapini (retd), Former Nigerian Firstlady, Chief (Mrs) Margaret Shonekan; HRM Oba Saheed Elegushi, Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Aare Dele Momodu; former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore; Former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba; Chief Mrs Sena Anthony, Prince Tokunbo Sijuwade, Chief & Chief (Mrs) Samuel Adedoyin, Controller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; Former Governor of Ekiti , Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Mrs Akinrinade, Chief Bode George, Chief Bukola Okunowo, Prince Bisi Olatilo, who anchored the event, Engr Funsho Kunpoluku, Mr Gbenga Obasa, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru and Otunba Lai Oriowo.

There was also the presence of Chief Olu Falomo and wife, Princess Toyin Kolade and Reverend Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi.

The event started with a heartfelt prayer said by Rev Esther Ajayi as Nigerian languages polyglot, Bisi Olatilo took the stage to announce and welcome dignitaries and members of the public present.

One after another, notable individuals in attendance spoke glowingly about the celebrant, agreeing that he has remained a force to reckon with in all his years in service, and out of service.

From the Ooni of Ife to Chief Osoba and unto Chief Falomo and CGC Adeniyi among others, the good message remained the same; that Baba has touched many lives, in more ways than one.

The evergreen lyrics of King Sunny Ade visibly and soundly resonated both through the gigantic loud speakers mounted at strategic corners and his natural voice as he moved around soaking up the aura and ambience of the atmosphere.

One of the highlights of the occasion was the presentation of the Island and Yoruba Tennis clubs, whose goodwill messages were conveyed through different subgroups. The sessions were rounded off with a presentation of a gift to the celebrant.

The Ooni of Ife was also on hand to supervise the cutting of the 90th birthday cake as the elated birthday boy, surrounded by family members and selected dignitaries performed the task after the generous count.

To say there was much to eat and drink is an understatement. Alex-Duduyemi ensured that guests enjoyed the best of delicious delicacies and choice beverages.

Chief Alex-Duduyemi is among the real gentlemen, who are reputed to come in special packages; packages that affect every life they come across. He is a rare breed of special packages. He is one in a million, and a definite force to reckon with in every facet of human existence.

THE MAN, OYEKUNLE ALEX-DUDUYEMI 

Born in August 1935 in Ile Ife, Chief Duduyemi has been priviledged to traverse through life, earning for himself a reputable identity rooted in stretching helping hands to the needy, and as many as that his benevolence can reach, and of course, they are far reaching in number.

In 1957, Chief Alex-Duduyemi graduated from the North Western Polytechnic, Kentish Town, London, and proceeded to Lincoln’s Inn Law School, London, from where he finished in 1960 and obtained his Law degree. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1961.

An accomplished professional, who started his career as a legal practitioner, Chief Alex Duduyemi, who has also been conferred with one of Nigeria’s top honours, the Officer of the Federal Republic, OFR, is an epitome of acumen both on the business and home fronts. He serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bolex Holdings Limited, in addition to holding the reins at Manucom Fishing Company Limited (fishing and fish trading).

Not only that, his never-say-never attitude also prompted the establishment of Equity Petroleum Services Nigeria Limited (Oil Services), in addition to Equity Shipping Company Nigeria Limited (General shipping and coastal transportation).

His humanity extended to the founding of Manufacturing and Commodity Company Limited, a General merchandise and trading concern which, together with other companies of his, has employed and sustained thousands of Nigerian families.

In 1997, the high chief saw the need to better the education of the Nigerian child, and so birthed the Henry Alex-Duduyemi Memorial College, situated in Ile-Ife, Osun State, a flourishing co-education institution saddled with the responsibility of churning out to the world completely baked students, well equipped and ready to face the world.

Chief Duduyemi had more than a bite of the Nigerian political climate, serving at the highest of places before going private. He was elected to the Federal House of Representatives from 1964 to 1966 and was a Parliamentary Secretary – Cabinet Office, Lagos from 1965 to 1966.

Among many others of his endeavours include serving as Director at Secure Electronic Technology Plc coupled with being a Barrister at Law and Solicitor to the Federal Supreme Court of Nigeria. He is also the Chairman of BJ Services Company Nigeria Limited, BEC Freres Nigeria Limited and Burau Veritas Nigeria Limited.

The accomplished husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, mentor and great achiever has made his point clear as to where his penchant for development lies:

“I have committed the rest of my life to build well rounded Nigerian youths that are not only going to be leaders of different sectors of the Nigerian economy in the near future, but also function effectively as world citizens,” the industrialist was quoted as saying.

So many people call him father because of the positive impact he has made in their lives. The Chairman of Ovation Media Group, Bashorun Dele Momodu, is one of them, and will not stop talking about how he almost cleared his account to help fund the establishment of Ovation, which today has grown to become a household name in celebrity journalism.

Alex-Duduyemi is who he is; an impact making force, a grand achiever and a gentleman to the core. Congratulations sir!

Photos: Koya Adegbite