Behold! The Akinrogun of Gbonganland

By Eric Elezuo

The atmosphere was surreal, the turnout fantastic, the ambience splendid and the environment cozy with flamboyant touches of royalty, magnificent and deep rooted culture. It was the Chieftaincy title conferment of the Akinrogun and Yeye Akinrogun of Gbonganland on prolific journalist, Aare Dele Momodu, and his wife, Mobolaji Momodu, by the paramount ruler of the land, Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi, Odugbemi I, the Olufi of Gbonganland.

A known and prominent son of the land, the Momodus were chosen for the title for their unwavering support of the community, and unrivaled performance in the society at large at an event that coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Olufi’s coronation.

According to a letter to the effect, the Olufi stated that the honour is in “recognition of your various land mark achievements as a world renowned journalist author, publisher, business man, public affairs commentator, frontline politician to the level of being chosen as a presidential candidate of a strong political party in our presidential elections.

“Another compelling reason is the fact that your own biological mother was a native of Gbongan from the famous Oluoje family. Some of your achievements include but not limited to:

i. Chief Executive Officer and publisher of Ovation International, a magazine that has given publicity to people from all over the world.

ii. Launched Ovation TV in 2015

iii. Launched an online newspaper called the Boss newspapers.

iv. You have received hundreds of awards and honours for your work in the world of business, politics, literature, the music and fashion industry.

v. You write a weekly column called “Pendulum” published every Saturday on the back page of Thisday newspaper.
Aside from the above. you are a cultural man per excellence and a worthy ambassador of the legendary Oduduwa Dynasty and a philanthropist, committed husband and father. WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU!!!”

Beautifully decked in expensive blue aso oke attire, the couple were accompanied by a retinue of well wishers, family members, friends and associates, who made the trip from every corner of the world, as they stepped before his royal Majesty for the all important conferment.

Literally interpreted as an accomplished warrior, the Akinrogun title comes in handy and ready-made for the like of Dele Momodu, who has tranversed the universe, courted the high and mighty even without ever holding public office. It is believed that that there’s no influential personality in the world today that Momodu has not made his acquaintance. He is a man of many parts.

Held at the Community playing field, the conferment of chieftaincy title on the Momodus was the cynosure of all eyes in as much as there were other awardees on the day. His larger than life status was proved with the calibre of personalities that turned up for the all important event.

In his appreciation message, Momodu, who spoke in Yoruba, appreciated the Olufi and the people of Gbongan for considering him for the honours. He also extended his appreciation to a former Chancellor of the University of Lagos and son of Gbongan, Professor Wale Babalakin, who paved the way for him to have a smooth celebration.

Earlier, Momodu had visited the graveside of his mother, Mrs Gladys Momodu, where a prayer session was held, and thanksgiving to God for her life. Another stopover was the family house of the Fatoyes, where the patriarch of the family, Osuola Isaac Fatoye, received the entourage, and proclaim blessings on Dele Momodu.

Shortly after the conferment, the party moved in a convoy to the reception ground at Bola Babalakin Estate, decorated in elegant colours and lights by @psquareevents, where other high profile individuals were already waiting in anticipation of the grand celebration.

It was not just one party; it was a gathering of the who is who is Gbonganland, the southwest and Nigeria in general.

Among personalities present were the Deputy governor of Osun, Prince Kola Adewusi, Chairman, Biscon Communications, Prince Bisi Olatilo, Prince Damola Aderemi, Senior Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Lagos Liaison, Mr. Michael Effiong, Mr. Dupe Ashama, Hon. Remi Ojo, Otunba Gbenga Peters, Mr. Adebanjo Adebanjo, Erelu Fadeyi, Mr. Rufai Ladipo, Mr. Wale Babalakin, Mr. Gbenga Olunloyo, Editor, Ovation Magazine, Mr. Eric Elezuo, Publisher, Yes Magazine, Azuh Arinze and a host of others.

The first class event was punctuated at regular intervals by rhythmic sounds from a live band, and sumptuous meals and drinks from @depotterscocktail, @kammisplaceevents, @tripple O finger foods.

Also in place for a well rounded ceremony, which was organised by  @Subtleleganceeventbackup, was @fortuneguard, which provided adequate security in conjunction with @bandbushers, that served as ushering crew.