Kunle ADELABU & Jare OLUKOTUN
It was honour, encomium and celebration galore as foremost politician and the first Secretary to the Lagos State Government, His Eminence, Baba Adura (Asiwaju) Olorunfunmi Basorun, joined the Octogenarian club in grandstyle on Monday, October 16, 2018.
Basorun, who is a key member of the Lagos State Governor Advisory Committee and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, is a lawyer, banker and community developer per excellence.
The former state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was also a delegate of the APC and PDP to National Confab and many National Convention.
He is an author of many books and he’s also known to always put his thoughts and experiences on paper for public consumption.
Aside from being the Spiritual head, Gospel Church of Cherubim and Seraphim, Basorun is also the leading honorary chieftaincy holder in the ancient Igbogbo kingdom with the title of ‘Asiwaju’ (Leader).
The old Awoist was picked and honoured by the Teel Magazine in 2017 as one of the magazine’s ‘Nigeria’s Most Reputable Personalities’. He was among the first 11 personalities that were profiled.
Late last year, the old political warhorse was appointed member of National Directorate of Employment under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. by President Muhammudu Buhari.
Sen Gbenga Bareehu Ashafa,while congratulating the celebrant, wrote:
“On behalf of my family and the entire Lagos East Senatorial District,I express our deepest love and felicitations as you, our father and mentor, celebrate your eight-decades on earth.
“You have been a pillar of support over the years to myself and my family. Your continued mentorship, advice and guidance have helped us a great deal in navigating both our personal and political life. At the district level of our party, the all Progressive Congress (APC), your leadership has been just, value-driven and people oriented, for which we remain eternally grateful.
“Your reputation as a legal luminary, exemplary politician and your selfless service to the development of Lagos State from your time as the first secretary to the Lagos state government has earned you not just a position as an elder statesman but a man worthy of emulation”.
Hon Sanai Oyeniran Bolanle Agunbiade, the Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly and the honourary title holder of Opomulero of Ikorodu Kingdom, in his own tribute to the foremost politician which was sent to THE IMPACT and titled, ‘Happy Birthday To His Eminence: Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun”, he wrote thus:
“I rejoice today with our father and leader, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Bashorun, as he clocks this landmark age in good health and wealth.
“On behalf of my family, my lieutenants in the service to humanity and Team S. O. B, I thank God for your life sir and wish you more prosperous years on this mother earth. E fi owo pa’ri, e fi erigi jobi…. Amin.”
Hon. Babajimi Benson on his facebook wall described the Octogenarian as an astute opinion shaper, politician of note and community builder per excellence.
“Sir, today I rejoice with you for the legacies you have laid not only in Ikorodu division but also in Lagos State as a whole. Your indelible contributions to our polity as the Asiwaju of Igbogbo and former Secretary to the Lagos State Government and an astute opinion shaper sets you apart as a champion. I celebrate you today sir, Asiwaju Reuben Olorunfunmi Bashorun, for being a source of joy and support to many. Happy birthday and many happy returns sir”.
Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly Representing Ikorodu Constituency II, Hon. Nurudeen Saka Solaja described the celebrant as a shinning leader
“I have always known you to be a shining Leader and at 80,the Lord has been gracious to you that you. On this Special day of yours, I wish you more of abundant grace, ebullience and versatility. Igba odun odun kan ni sir. Happy birthday Daddy”
Prince Akeem Olukunga, Board Member, Lagos State Sports Commission also greeting Asiwaju Basorun stated:
“Happy birthday to my daddy and mentor, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun”
Hon. Jimoh Ogunmuyiwa, former Chairman, Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area, while also rejoicing with Asiwaju Bashorun, wrote on THE IMPACT WhatsApp platform thus:
“Happy birthday to you sir. God, who has been seeing you through since you started achieving from youthful age ,will continue to shower His blessings on you. Many happy returns of the day.”
Alhaji Enifeni Badru, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikorodu, also wrote on his Facebook wall:
“Happy 80th birthday to a man who simply refuses to comply with the rules of aging.
“People like you don’t just happen. Just like a fine wine, they only get better with age. Happy 80th birthday and may you continue to enjoy the simple things in life”.
Comrade Daini Sesan, the chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA and Director, Media and Publicity, Sanwo-Olu Campaign Organization, in his tributes to Basorun titled, ‘Eighty, Fit & Legendary: Asiwaju Olurunfunmi Basorun”, stated:
“On this auspicious day, I join family, friends, and associates to felicitate with His Eminence, Baba Asiwaju @reubenolorunfunmi Bashorun @ 80.
“Over the decades, you have been a guiding light to a lot of us who have been under your tutelage and tapped immensely from your fountain of uncommon knowledge of history, community development, politics, and governance.
“I wish you more fulfilling years ahead in dedicated services to Igbogbo Town, Ikorodu Division, Lagos State and Nigeria at large. Happy 80th Birthday Sir!”
While also felicitating with Asiwaju Basorun, the Vice Chairman, Ikorodu LG, Hon (Princess) Folashade Olabanji-Oba, stated:
“His Eminence, Reuben Olorunfunmi Bashorun…Happy birthday to you sir! Our beloved FATHER, quintessential leader, and Mentor…
“We are forever GRATEFUL and THANKFUL for the gift of you…
“May you and yours continuously be richly blessed..Amen. Love and best wishes always..”
Hon. Owolabi Anifowoshe, a two-time aspirant for the Ikorodu Federal Constituency seat, while also celebrating the Octogenarian, wrote:
“Happy 80th birthday to one of the foremost political leaders in Lagos State, our own Ikorodu division stateman,a member of the GAC APC Lagos, a man of many parts. A Leader of leaders. Indeed, it is a great privilege to have been mentored, tutored and led by you sir. Every moment with you sir is a distinctive session. If you are a politician in Lagos State and you have not had a session with this man, seriously, you are just starting. A Lawyer, an administrator,a former SSG, Lagos State, (Jakande Administration), community development Extraordinaire, a scholar, a theologian, a Philosopher”.
Mr Aroyewun Ahmed Olalekan, a youth leader in Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, in a congratulatory message sent to THE IMPACT, wrote:
“There are very few individuals who have excelled in all they venture into, making exclusive exalted success out of such endeavors. This type of grace is largely uncommon and is enjoyed by a very few whose actions have been ordained by God.
“Long life and relevance are mutually exclusive elements as believed, old age often has a waning effect on one’s relevance, however, some very few persons again betray this belief and seem to even gather more honor, prestige, importance, and significance as they age.
“Such is the character and person of the revered Asiwaju of Igbogbo whose journey in life largely exposes his hard work, perseverance, intelligence, steadfastness, faith and overall, the grace of God.
“Having traversed the banking, legal, political and clergy world and has succeeded above the ordinary man in all by even going ahead to create a dynasty in each of these professions, indeed, he is a man with many parts.
“Joining the league of powerful Octogenarians across the world is a special feat you have attained today and another feather to your cap.In truth daddy, you have come, you have seen, you have conquered, yet you still kept going even against the will of detractors”.
Otunba Muyiwa Adesanya, former Executive Secretary, Imota LCDA and Vice Chairman, Ikorodu LG while also commenting on Basorun stated:
“Congratulations my father, my leader and my mentor. I wish you many more prosperous years in good health.
” I have been under your tutelage and benefitted from your wealth of political wisdom since 1979. May the Almighty continue to give you the strenght to lead us aright more. Enjoy your day sir.
Otunba Ganiyu Olusegun Abiru, also identifying with the celebrant, stated on THE IMPACT platform:
“ Happy birthday to Baba Basorun”.
Hon Adeola Jokomba, a two-term chairman, Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA), in his own tribute described Asiwaju Basorun as a father, leader with good legacy and epitome of knowledge
Mr Ade Bolowotan, the Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA stated “I joined all well wishers to celebrate a legends, an icon, a father and a now a member of the league of Octogenarian. Daddy, may you live longer in good health and abundant blessings
Prince Ganny Awobajo, veteran journalist and Publisher of Ikorodu News, also identified with the Octogenarian on his birthday.
“Many happy returns sir,I pray Almighty God will continue to make you age gracefully. An exemplary role model you are. Stay blessed, Amen”.
Also joining in eulogizing the Octogenarian is Hon. Gbenga Oshin, former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly
“Happy Birthday to Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, a leader of Leaders. My hearth rejoices for an Icon and Mentor ( Social and Political) on his 80th Birthday.
He described him as exemplary, indispensable community leader and motivator who is full of ideas
