Kunle Adelabu
-Launches Foundation
It was a massive celebration for Senator (Sir) Dr. Kingsley Adeseye Ogunlewe, KJW, former Minister of Works and former Senator representing the Lagos East Senatorial District between 1999 and 2003, as he joined the club of the Octogenarians on Wednesday, November 6, 2023.
Ogunlewe is the Fuwagbuyi of Ikorodu Kingdom, Baba Oba of Odogbawojo and Chairman, Ikorodu Division Resource Development Group (IDRDG).
The special service marking the milestone celebration was presided over by the Primate, United African Methodist Church Worldwide, His Eminence, The Most Rev’d J.A. Oja – Oba (JP.) at the UAMC Cathedral, Diocese, Igbogbo.
During the special service which was well – attended, Sen. Ogunlewe, who read one of the passages from the Bible, also performed a solo hymn of one of his favourite songs, “Ninu Irin ajo mi – be ni monkerin”, to the delight of the men of God, eminent guests and the general congregation who joined in him in singing the last verse.
A Foundation in support of the celebrant’s educational support, especially in the area of the ICT development, was launched during the birthday commemorative service.
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo – Olu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayinde, chieftains of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) – Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, Senator Anthony Adefuye, Sen. Tokunbo Abiru represented by his Special Adviser on Constituency Matters, Dr. Saheed Ibikunle, joined the former Minister in celebrating his 80th birthday at the church service.
Also, His Royal Majesties, Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo and Oba Stephen Adeleke Adekoya, the Bejeroku of Oke – Agbowa, Ijebu – lgbo, were in attendance.
Governor Sanwo–Olu, speaking at the church service, congratulated the celebrant, stating that eminent personalities, families, friends and associates of the celebrant had gathered to celebrate him because of his impacts not just in Lagos State, but also throughout the country.
The Governor said that Sen. Ogunlwe is a remarkable individual with a life well lived with legacy of service and the spirit that will continue to inspire generations.
He described him as a quintessential Lagosian, resourceful, resilient and a personality who has built bridges.
The Senator representing the Lagos East Senatorial District, Sen. Tokunbo Abiru, also speaking during the service, congratulated the celebrant whom he described as an illustrious son of Ikorodu, and astute public servant, adding that he has impacted greatly as a civil servant, Senator, Minister and in other capacities.
“Senator Ogunlewe has contributed his quota to the development of Nigeria as a former Permanent Secretary, Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Honourable Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and erstwhile Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
“He is an accomplished national political figure, with a vast political network across Nigeria. He is indeed a great asset to our dear party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). We are proud of the quality leadership he has been providing, alongside other eminent leaders in the Lagos East Senatorial District, and Lagos State at large”.
During the service, different political, cultural, educational, professional, and community groups which had turned out in large numbers, made presentation to the celebrant. Notable among these were the presentations by the students of the Oriwu Senior and Junior Model Colleges, Ikorodu, the school that Sen. Ogunlewe passed out from and today, he is one of the major promoters and member of its Board of Trustees being led by its Principal, Mr Akeem Bello, the Best School Administrator in Nigeria, and that of the group of professionals and other individuals whose education were at one time or the other sponsored by the celebrant.
In commemoration and honour of the 80th birthday of Sen. Ogunlewe who has been making immense contributions to the development of the premier college in Ikorodu Division, over the years, the school’s anthem was sang by both the current and old students of school, during the service.
The patriarch of the Ogunlewe family of Igbogbo, Dr. Akinola Ogunlewe, led other family chieftains, sons, daughters and their in-laws to the service.
Others at the church service were political leaders – Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, APC chieftain, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, former Lagos Majority Leader, Hon. Nurudeen Solaja, former Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. (Chief) Mrs Adebimpe Akinsola, former Commissioner for Tourism, Alhaji Musliu Animashaun (De Cubano), Prince (Hon) Lanre Balogun, former Commissioner for Rural Development, Dr (Mrs) Lanre Dixon, Sir (Otunba) Ayodele Elesho, Chief Sulaimon Ogidi, Chief Monsor Olowosago, Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun, representative of the Ikorodu Constituency II, Builder Sesan Daini, Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Builder Adeola Banjo, Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA and Hon. Wasiu Adeshina, Chairman, lkorodu Local government.
Also in attendance were chieftains of the Ikorodu Division Resource Development Group (IDRDG) – Prince Olabode Ogunleye, Bashorun Babatunde Rotinwa, Oloye Oye Solebo, Chief Tele Oduloye, Engr. Layi Adegbola, Alhaji Fatai O. Lasisi, and Sir (Otunba) Wole Odulate, KJW.
