…Royalty and High-Profile Dignitaries Gather at Ebute-Igbooro
BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
EBUTE-IGBOORO, YEWA NORTH LG, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – Alhaji (Chief) Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, popularly known as IBD, expressed heartfelt gratitude and consolation during the “Celebration of Life” event held for his late uncle, Alhaji (Otunba) Wahab Ayinla Egungbohun, fondly called Baba Ode, at the playing ground of Yewa North Local Government Primary School in Ebute-Igbooro on Saturday, September 28, 2024.
IBD, a prominent businessman, shared how the loss of his father-figure could have deeply affected him, but for the unwavering support of his cousins – children of the deceased.
‘Oyi’ as he is also called and who serves as Chairman/Chief Executive of several successful enterprises, including IBD IMPEX Ltd, IBD International Hotels, and IBD IMPEX Quarry Ltd, spoke warmly on the sideline of the event, about the family ties nurtured by his late uncle, saying, “I take solace in the fact that my Uncle left behind a team of responsible children who are my cousins, and they have been very supportive,”
IBD praised his cousins for their unity and modesty – the qualities they inherited from their late father.
Reflecting on the close relationship within the Egungbohun family, IBD stated, “My late Uncle ensured an enduring bond among all of us – sons and daughters of the Egungbohun family at home and abroad.”
IBD expressed pride in the achievements of his cousins, especially Hon. Haruna Egungbohun, a functional legislator, and his younger brother, Rafiu, a human resources expert, adding, “Their siblings are doing proudly well too.”
Pleased with how his cousins handled the event, IBD asked rhetiocally, “Are you not moved by the orderly and dignified manner in which they treated every guest who honoured our invitations?”
He attributed the impressive turnout at the event to the virtues instilled by his late uncle, stressing, “What the distinguished guests saw in us, which prompted them to honor the invite, are qualities my late Uncle helped us imbibe.”
Fondly referred to as Baba-Ode, Alhaji Wahab Egungbohun was a father figure, icon, and a pillar of peace in Yewaland.
“In terms of financial prudence, human, and capital management, my Uncle was an icon of leadership, accountability, and transparency, adding, “I thank Allah for giving us the grace to give Baba-Ode a befitting burial.”
As the Oluomo of Yewaland, IBD expressed his gratitude to the many distinguished guests who graced the event, including traditional rulers and chiefs from Ilaro and other towns, led by the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Olugbenle MFR, who is also Chairman of Ogun State Council of Obas.
Others were Ogun West Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), House of Representatives member – Gboyega Isiaka Nasir (GNI), and Speaker Rt. Hon. Daisi Elemide, alongside the Deputy Governor of Pobe RP, Hon. Fagbohun.
Notable Ogun State Commissioners such as Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan (Budget and Planning); Omoniyi Akande Jagunmolu (Housing) and Hon. Babatunde Olaotan (Government House); Chief Olaegbe from Adja-Quere, Alhaji Rauf Bello; members of the Olu Ilaro-in-Council, Alhaji (Chief) Tajudeen Adisa (Yiyo) and Chief Alaba Adewunmi (Alabama), among others were also in attendance.
IBD acknowledged their unwavering support, as well as the presence of Nollywood stars such as Chief Bolaji Amusan (Mr. Latin), Alhaji (Chief) Taiwo Hassan Ogogo and Azeez Ayinde (Ogogo Jnr).
The event was graced by the renowned Fuji music legend, King Wasiu Omogbolahan Ayinde (K1), who thrilled the audience with his top-notch Juju music performance.
IBD also thanked the famous poet, Chief Sulaiman Aremu Ayilara (Ajobiewe), and event hosts MC Odu-Agba and Adejoke Somoye (Ewa Ede), who ensured a well-coordinated programme.
Also, Alhaji Jamiu Adaradenu and Ayoola Michael Akinola (Alayo Melody Singer Int’l), added their unique blend of Seli-Fuji and Juju music to the day’s entertainment.
The security of guests was meticulously handled by gallant operatives, ensuring the smooth running of the event.
It would be recalled that Alhaji (Otunba) Wahab Ayinla Egungbohun, who passed away at the age of 74, was buried according to Islamic rites on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Chief Dende Egungbohun’s Compound in Ebute-Igbooro, Yewa North LGA, Ogun State.
He is survived by wives, children, grandchildren, and nephews, including Alhaji (Chief) Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun.
Earlier, on the 8th day Fidau prayer, a heartfelt Islamic prayer session had been held at Egungbohun Copmpound, Ebute Igbooro – the residence of the deceased.
The event marked a gathering of esteemed Imams and Alfas who prayed for the peaceful repose of Alhaji Wahab’s soul, asking Allah to grant him Aljanat Fridaus.
It was a gathering of an intimate moment of reflection, where family, friends, and community members came together to honour the late patriarch’s legacy.
Through this celebration of life, Alhaji (Otunba) Wahab Egungbohun’s legacy of leadership, generosity, and family values will continue to inspire those he left behind.