The annual thanksgiving service in honour of the publisher of the rested Third Eye Newspapers, Chief Emmanuel Akanni Aluko, who is celebrating God’s grace and mercies upon his life, was attended by royal fathers, friends and relatives of the Aluko family.
The venue of the event, St. Victoria Catholic Church, Ijebu -Ijesa road, Ilesa, Osun State, a few metres to the palatial home of the Alukos, was filled to the brim..
People came across different parts of the country to honour their cherished friend, a business mogul and renowned philanthropist, who has been down with stroke in the past 13 years, but has been coping with it due to the abundance of God’s grace .
The celebrant, who recently marked his 75th birthday in grand style,was full of life, smiling as he welcomed dignitaries to the venue.
Decked in white flowing gown, Chief Aluko said: ”It’s a major thing for me to thank God for what He has done in my life. You see my condition; I’ve been challenged healthwise for almost 13 years now but by His grace, Iam still alive; Iam still kicking.
“So, every year, I want to do this; to give praises to God for His goodness in my life. It is a pre-Christmas event. This is my first Christmas of the year. I always want to celebrate my harvest, to say to God, I thank you and tell Him, without you I cannot be; I cannot be here. That is the essence of this gathering. I always want to invite all my friends to come and celebrate with me and dine with me every year. We will go to church, dance together and praise our great God for His grace and mercies.”
Everyone appeared gorgeously dressed, adorning different attire to suit the occasion. Many visitors, who came with their wives, wore the same attire, mostly agbada, iro and buba.
It was indeed a time for thanksgiving, a day to show gratitude to God for the life of the celebrant, who in spite of the great storm in his life, has continued to be joyful in the Lord for His strength and benevolence.
Among those who joined Chief Akanni Aluko and his wife,Kofoworola, at the event were the Yeye Meso of Iwara-jesaland, Chief Mrs Bolanle Ojo; His Royal Highnness, Oba Moses Olusegun Akeju, the Arojo of Irojo; HRM Oba Olaniyi Agunbiade, the Onimo of Imo; Chief Adegboye Ajewole, the Olokuntuope of Okuntuope; Chief Ajobo Adekunle; the Arojo of Irojoland, Chief Aleshinloye Oladele; the Oloke Iyanu of Oke-Iyanu and Otunba Idowu Olatunbosun. Others were the former Chairman, Osun State Service Commission, Chief Femi Omotara and wife, Oyebola; Barrister Olumuyiwa Abimbola; Ambassador C. Oni; Mr and Mrs. Abimbola Oludare; Mr Abiodun Pinhero; Chief Perry Aluko; Adekemi Aluko; Mr Adebola Adeniran and some staff of the Catholic Independent Newspaper, among others.
The joyous occasion saw the elated celebrant, in his white gown lace and his wife, Kofo, cheerfully dancing to the altar with other members of the congregation to give offering in appreciation the Lord’s kindness and mercies.
The church choir, made up of vibrant youths, sang sweet and inspiring melodies that thrilled the dignitaries.
In his sermon, the presiding priest, Reverend Father Phillip Fayanju, expressed gratitude to God for His guidance and protection over the years.
Speaking on the life of the celebrant, the man of God said there should always be a time for stock-taking, adding that the most important thing in one’s life was doing good and positively imparting others.
While praying for peace over the nation, Rev. Fayanju asked God to protect and guide Chief Aluko, his family and other members of the congregation as they approached the end of the year.
The highlight of the event was the taking of the Holy Communion. Guests later moved to the sprawling Ilesa home of the Alukos to dine and wine with the family.