Kunle Adelabu
Sir (Otunba) Comrade Ayodele Elesho, KJW, the Agbaakin of Ikorodu and former Commissioner for Information, Lagos State, on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, celebrated his 70th birthday with a special birthday church service.
The service, which was held at the Patriarch Bolaji Cathedral Methodist Church, Ita – Elewa, Ikorodu, was attended by royal fathers in Ikorodu Division and Ogijo among who were His Majesties Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba Bashir Sotonwa, the Sekumade of Ipakodo and Oba Gbadamosi, the Ologijo of Ogijo,HRM Oba Fatai Aremu Aromire, the Ojora of Lagos and other eminent personalities in attendance.
The Honourable Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba also attended the special Church service.
Immediately after the church service, a reception party was held by the celebrant, who was the former State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), for his guests and family members at the main hall of the Ikorodu Town hall.
Sir Bola Ogunsanwo, the chairman of the occasion,while speaking, said that the celebrant has reasons to celebrate at 70.
“The celebrant of today has many reasons to celebrate and thank God for clocking 70 years because not everyone that he started together with or worked with at different stages of his life have the opportunity to attain the age of 70.
“Everyone here today has come to celebrate with you and your joy shall be permanent.
“There are still lots that can still be achieved at 70. You can still build houses and enjoy yourself with your children and grandchildren. There are lots that can still be done”, he said.
“In his royal remarks, Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, in his own, commended the celebrant for being steadfast and for his efforts in community development, while also telling him to enjoy life because it begins at 70.
“Since I have this gentleman called Ayo and since I conferred the title of ‘Agbaakin’ on him, he has not disappointed me. He has been using his time for the development of the community and always answers anytime that I call on him to perform any assignment.
“Life begins at 70 because there are still lots to be achieved”, Oba Shotobi said.
The musician on the stand band, Ade and his band, ensured that there was no dull moment all through the occasion as he sang various gospel and local songs for the enjoyment of the royal fathers and other guests, while Chief Gbenga Dosumu, a.k.a ‘Eweso’, a veteran compere, anchored the event impressively.
Otunba Elesho also proved that he was a good host as he treated his guests to a five stars entertainment. There were more than enough sumptuous meals (both local and continental) and chilled assorted drinks to go round.
Among other guests that attended the birthday celebration were Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, Vice Chairman, All Progressive Congress (APC) Lagos East, Sir (Engr.) Kayode Shoderu, Chieftain of the Ikorodu Division Resource Development Group, Alhaji Monzor Olowosago, Publisher of Oriwu Sun newspaper, Chief Aderibigbe Shitta, former Chairman, People Ddemocratic Party (PDP), Ikorodu, Chief Dele Olowu, APC Chieftain, Dr (Lion) & Dr (Lion) Mrs Ajayi of the Ajayi Medical Centre, lkorodu, Chief & Chief (Mrs) Odulate, Chief Adebambo, a Pharmacist, Lion Taiwo Oduloye, former Education Secretary, Ikorodu Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) and Alhaja Abiodun Ogunniyi, former Principal, Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu among others.
