The Iragbiji, Osun State, home of eminent lawyer, Adeleke Adeyemo, wore a festive look on Tuesday when family members, friends, associates and well-wishers gathered in large numbers to celebrate a member of the Board of Directors of Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation titles, on his 80th birthday.
The atmosphere at the elder statesman’s house in Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government, was lively and colourful, with melodious music, cultural displays and streams of congratulatory messages filling the air, while guests took turns to felicitate the octogenarian.
Adeyemo was celebrated amid prayers, tributes and warm exchanges that reflected his longstanding influence in legal, media, church and community circles.
The celebrator was also eulogised for building a church in the town as part of his service to God.
Among the dignitaries that celebrated Adeyemo were the Lagbua royal family, children, grandchildren, management of Vintage Press, TVC Communications, members of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, his former students, friends and residents.
The Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Ikeja, Rev’d Kolawole Ogokunle, anchored his sermon on Joshua 14 verse 6-1. He titled his exhortation: ‘An Old Age to Emulate’, highlighting four key areas for aged people to consider.
He noted that just like biblical Caleb, one must have a good spirit, be joyful, have a heart of service to the house of God and live by the wisdom of God to live an outstanding life.
Ogokunle said: “I want to charge all parents here to ensure that they put their homes in place for them to secure their legacies. The celebrant has lived a fulfilled life because he continues to prioritise God to the extent of building a church for Him. I admonish all aged people to allow the joy of God to rule their hearts as they grow, this is the secret to long life.”
The ex-students of the celebrator at Baptist Secondary Modern School, Iragbij, also lauded what they described as the impactful life their former teacher Adeyemo lived.
Speaking on behalf of the ex-student, Mr Adebowale Morunkeji, said: “He is my uncle, a teacher. His father taught my father carpentry work from 1929 to 1931. When I finished my Primary six, I went to Baptist Secondary Modern School, Iragbij, where he(celebrator) taught me for a year in 1967.
“Whenever he wanted to send anybody to do a certain job for him or an assignment, he would call me or my sister to do the assignment for him. He used to help us. Generally, Barrister Adeyemo is good in all aspects of life, we are all proud of him, even among the royal family and our people in town.”
He prayed that the celebrator live longer than his parents who lived more than 150 years before they died, noting that, Barrister Adeyemo continued to live an impactful life just like his late father.”
The firstborn of the celebrator, Adekunle Adeyemo, also a lawyer, described his father as a good man who instilled discipline in him and his siblings.
He said: “I want our children to emulate discipline from the character of our Baba, because this is what took us this far in life. Indeed, he is a great father who should be celebrated at all times.”
Similarly, a friend of the celebrator, Otunba Olawuwo Oni said that he knew Barrister Adeleke about 30 years ago at First Baptist Church and Ifelodun Society, stressing that the legal luminary has a sense of humour with a free mind who is willing to be of help to others.
“I am aware that he built a church and that is very commendable. This is the art of service to God which I want everyone to emulate, as the preacher admonished.”
Among the dignitaries who honoured the celebration of God’s faithfulness in Adeyemo’s life is the management of Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation titles, led by the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, Victor Ifijeh, Executive Director of Finance Administration, Mr Sunday Adeleke.
Similarly, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of TVC Communications, Victoria Ajayi was at the celebration.
Also, family members from Barrister Adeyemo’s Lagbua Royal House in Iragbiji, members of Ifelodun Society, Lagos State, members of Ogo Oluwa Baptist Church, Oluode, Iragbiji, Nigerian Baptist Convention.
Gifts were presented to the celebrator after the cutting of the cake. Adeyemo appreciated the good gestures of good people around his life.
He said: “I want to appreciate my wife for standing with me and also my children. I thank the management of Vintage Press and TVC for standing with me. I appreciate the Nigerian Baptist Convention for your presence here.”