By Morakinyo Ogunniyi
The Kayegbo’s Publisher and Amuludun of Okemesiland, Chief Morakinyo Ogunniyi has on behalf of the Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola expressed gratitude to Almighty God for the grace given to him to celebrate the matchless philanthropist who he described as his mentor and benefactor on the occasion of his 97th birthday.
While celebrating the ABUAD Founder, Chief Ogunniyi also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Ewi Ado-Ekiti and Owa Ooye Okemesi, for their unwavering support over the past 10 years.
“I’m proud to have single-handedly sponsored the Afe Babalola Day celebration for 10 years which gave birth to the prestigeous Afe Babalola Hall of Fame in Okemesi at Afe Babalola University, with the support of Afe Babalola Beneficiaries Worldwide.
“This event has been graced by esteemed personalities, including Arole Oduduwa Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, and former First Lady of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi including former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State Professor Modupe Adelabu, and Ambassador Dr. Eniola Ajayi former Nigeria Ambassador to Netherlands.
According to Chief Morakinyo Ogunniyi, “Although our proposal to declare December 12th as Afe Babalola Day in Ekiti State House of Assembly was rejected, I am thrilled that Ewi of Ado-Ekiti and his Council of Chiefs endorsed October 18 as the day to celebrate the all round icon in Ado Kingdom which we are celebrating for the second time today.
“I congratulate myself for initiating Afe Babalola Day and thank Ewi of Ado-Ekiti and his subjects for their support. I also congratulate my Kabiyesi Owa Ooye Okemesi for being a living witness to this milestone.
“Happy 97th Birthday, Baba Afe Babalola!* May God continue to bless you.
“Long live Aare Afe Babalola, Asiwaju Ekitiland”! Chief Ogunniyi concluded.
