The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Segun Oni and his wife, Kemi, celebrated their birthday last Saturday at their Ifaki-Ekiti country home, reports ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA
•Ex-Ekiti Governor Segun Oni, wife mark birthday
For several hours, Ifaki-Ekiti, a community in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State, throbbed with human and vehicular movements.
Residents were excited that something big was in the offing and they trickled in ones and twos into the Methodist Cathedral, the seat of the Ifaki Diocese of Methodist Church of Nigeria in Ilogbe Quarters of the town.
The impressive decoration of the church building and huge canopies installed at the back of the church said it all; something really ‘grand’ was about to happen.
As the church service was about to start, automobiles of various makes and sizes screeched to a halt in the church premises with gorgeously dressed guests who made their way into the sanctuary.
They all came to honour the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Olusegun Adebayo Oni and his wife, Olukemi, last Saturday.
As they were given the programme booklets, something attracted their interest and attention. It had to do with the number of years being celebrated.
Oni, who is the Asiwaju of Ifaki, and his wife were celebrating 110th birthday anniversary; the ex-governor clocked 60 in September and his wife was 50 in October. It was a combination of the two figures that equalled 110 years.
The birthday was delayed till December because of the ex-governor’s busy schedule of party assignments in September and October.
The service, which was led by the Methodist Bishop of Ifaki Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sunday Aluko, featured songs, hymns, prayers and melodious tunes by the church choir.
They all bore eloquent testimony to the goodness of God to Oni and his wife who were full of praises to God.
The ceremony was not short of eminent guests, who came from far and near to honour the Onis.
It was a day political differences were set aside as politicians from various parties came together to honour the APC chieftain, who is an apostle of politics without bitterness.
The event was a reunion of sorts for members of the Oni political structure and those of other political parties.
Delivering the sermon, Rev Anthony Olusegun Adegbulugbe, a professor of Energy Systems Planning and Management, congratulated Oni and his wife for reaching important milestones in their life. He urged them to thank God for the “uncommon mercies” they have received from God.
He also described longevity as a “special grace” from God in an era when life expectancy is declining.
Rev Adegbulugbe said such an occasion called for a sober reflection and an opportunity to dedicate themselves to the service of God and mankind.
He stressed that every additional day one has the opportunity to spend should not be misused as whatever one does, whether negative or positive, will continue to speak after one’s demise.
The cleric said Oni served the people of the state bringing positive change. He noted that some legacies of his administration are still benefiting the masses, advising leaders to always exhibit the fear of God in whatever they do and to be mindful of the day of accountability.
Rev Adegbulugbe enjoined Oni and his wife to always commit their ways into God’s hand as they embark on another phase in life.
The APC National chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, described Oni as a selfless statesman who gave his all to the development of Ekiti in particular and Nigeria as a whole.
Oni was full of thanks to God for sparing his life to witness the landmark of diamond jubilee, saying he would ever be grateful to God for the divine favour he has enjoyed.
He promised to rededicate himself to the service of the people and a better Nigeria. Oni spoke of what motivated him to join politicians of like minds to rescue Nigeria from misrule and impunity.
He urged Nigerians not to lose hope, urging them to use their votes to chase the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) out of power next year to usher in a Nigeria in which the citizenry will enjoy good governance and better standard of living.
Guests were treated to sumptuous food and drinks.
Odigie-Oyegun conducted the cutting of the cake by the two celebrators who were joined by other eminent guests, drawing a deafening ovation.
They included Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose; former governors – Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo and D. Kayode Fayemi.
There was a loud applause in the church when Fayose, Oni, Fayemi and Adebayo stood together and faced the congregation.
Other guests were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was represented by his wife, Bola; former Ekiti Deputy Governors Chief Abiodun Aluko and Prof. Modupe Adelabu, and Erelu Bisi Fayemi.
Others included former Ekiti Acting Governor Mr Tope Ademiluyi; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Dr Adewale Omirin; House of Representatives member, Bimbo Daramola; members of the State House of Assembly and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman in Ekiti State, Chief Bola Olu-Ojo.
Traditional rulers at the event include the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Oluwole, the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, Oba Ilori Faboro; the Onisan of Isan-Ekiti, Oba Sunday Ajiboye; the Olufaki of Ifaki-Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Agbaje; the Olojudo of Ido-Ile, Oba Aderemi Obaleye; the Obaloja of Oloje-Ekiti, Oba Peter Falade; the Owatapa of Itapa-Ekiti, Oba Makanjuola Ajaja and a host of community leaders.
