The Sagbua Alaafin of Oyo, Chief Adebayo Makinde, marked his 80th birthday with a thanksgiving service at the First Baptist Church, Ikeja, reports JOSEPH JIBUEZE.
At 80, Chief Adebayo Makinde, the Sagbua Alaafin of Oyo, is still very strong. Apart from a few grey hairs, he walks straight. When he talks, his voice does not shake. He also moves about without a walking stick.
What is the secret of his good health? He attributed this to living a simple life, eating only twice a day and not eating once it is past 6pm, and exercising daily, including cycling, walking and stretching.
Most importantly, Makinde believes life is in God’s hands. “It’s God who gives good health. I live a simple life apart from being a strong believer in God through Christ,” Makinde said.
Having attained the age of 80, Makinde wanted a quiet thanksgiving service in his church, without fanfare. But his children would not have it. To them, their father had done so much for them, and the least they could do was honour him with a befitting birthday party. And so it was.
From the handicapped, widows and orphans, testimonies abound about Makinde’s caring and selfless nature. He believes in the aphorism: “givers never lack”. To many, his life is worth celebrating.
A thanksgiving service was held at the First Baptist Church in Ikeja. Although it was a Saturday, the street and adjoining crescents were lined with assorted cars.
Their owners, gaily dressed men and women, all headed to the church, also known as the “Prevailers’ Sanctuary”. The church was filled to the brim.
A “worship in praises” was held, followed by a processional hymn, prayer of thanksgiving, Bible readings, choir ministration and a sermon by the President, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Supo Ayokunle.
The preacher said it is not many people that live up to 80 after going “through thick and thin.” “So, we’re celebrating not only the goodness of God, but His mercies,” he said.
He said just as God led His people the Israelites out of danger, He would continue to safeguard His worshippers from bad leadership.
“We don’t have sensible leaders who value Nigerians. It’s like giving leadership to someone who has been discharged from a psychiatric hospital.
“A majority of those leading us are psychiatric patients – impossible people. Do they know who we are? How can leaders behave like animals in the midst of men? How can they embezzle so much?
“Our God knows what we’re passing through. Our life will be sustained by our attitude and our cheerfulness.
“Enemies will not see the road as you escape. God will make a difficult journey easier. The Lord that turned Chief Makinde’s poverty to greatness will bless the rest of us,” he said, to a loud chorus of amen.
Reception followed at the Balmoral Event Centre in Ikeja. The beautifully decorated hall was classy, draped all round with hanging grey linen.
Chairs were covered with orange cloth, while the tables, each numbered, wore white overlays. Neon lights blinked. There was a lot to eat and drink as gorgeously dressed men and women, mostly in red headgear, danced to the Messiah Band tune. A member of the 19-man team of organisers, Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogho, a lawyer, was the master of ceremony. His lively handling of the event gave it colour.
The celebrator’s friend, Prince Tunde Ponle, who chaired the event, describing the day as special. He praised the family for honouring Makinde in his lifetime. He wished him a longer life.
“We’re still going to enjoy this man for a long, long time to come,” he said.
Ponle thanked Makinde, for influencing his life positively, a sentiment re-echoed by several people who showered praises on the octogenarian.
“The celebrant is my mentor. I’ve always looked up to him and wish to be like him. He’s humble; he’s humorous; he laughs. He has managed his wives as if he’s managing half a wife,” he said.
Wishing Makinde longer life and good health, Ponle said: “We want to see you celebrate 90. We want you to go beyond 90. We’re all here to rejoice. Congratulations and many happy returns,” he said.
Other guests also paid tributes to Makinde. Rev Amos Omorisimi described him as an embodiment of hardwork and a man who has great passion for others and always ready to help in times of need.
“Truly, you’re a gift to the world and a blessing to this generation,” the cleric said.
Makinde’s wife, Wemimo, called him “a father in a million”, adding: “You are a wonderful husband, my mentor, my spiritual adviser and micro-financier.”
His second wife, Adedoyin, said of her “darling husband”: “Our monthly food allowance always includes provision for unforeseen guests…your pharmacy has become a lifeline to many who cannot afford to pay for their healthcare.”
A former Nigerian High Commissioner to Zambia, Chief M.O. Ogunmola, recalled that Makinde has kept a single personal driver for over 30 years. “He is a very tolerant man,” he said.
Makinde said he was excited to witness the honour done to him by his children, some of who schooled and live in Canada, Europe and America, while still alive.
“I feel great. I didn’t expect anything like this, but I thank God. And I thank my children who organised this event.
“At 80, that I’m able to see a thing like this alive – there is nothing greater than that. To be alive and witness all that people have said about me, I feel great; I’m happy.”
On how he is prepared to face challenges that may come with old age, Makinde said no difficulties in life would be greater than what he had survived in his lifetime.
“What other challenge will I have? I was almost crippled at one time, but God healed me. So there’s no other challenge I can face that can be greater than that.
“That’s why I’m very happy now and celebrating God in my life. There are not many people who are as fortunate as I am to pass through difficult periods and come out stronger.
“If they tell you I’m 80, with the way I look and the way I move, you cannot believe it. I thank God.”
His advice to the youth is: “First be honest in all you do. Second, hold fast to God. There’s nothing God cannot do for you. No matter the problem or the challenges, God is able to solve it for you.”
Makinde, born in Lagos on January 14, 1935, attended the Baptist Academy and obtained the best result among his classmates in 1955.
He subsequently obtained a diploma in Pharmacy and began his career at Kingsway Chemists, a subsidiary of UAC.
Makinde later set up the defunct Jollitters Industries. He has been running Sata Pharmacy Limited since it was established in August 2007.
A philantropist and former President of the Rotary Club of Ogba, Makinde is fondly called “Sagbua of the Century,” having been the first Sagbua Alaafin of Oyo in modern times (since 1982). In the makeup of the government of the Alaafin, the Sagbua is a senior member or officer of the ‘military’ arm.
