Oba Olugbenle Advises Ilaro-Yewa Diasporians To Remember Their Roots, Speaks At 80th Birthday Of Pa Billy Ogundipe (+photos)

For the record:

… Commended President Tinubu, Governor Abiodun, Senator Solomon Adeola, Others For Various Developmental Projects In Ilaro, Yewaland

BY ABU-SATAR HAMED

LAGOS, NIGERIA – Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, MFR, Asade Agunloye IV, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, has called on the people of Ilaro-Yewa to always remember their roots wherever they may be.

The appeal was made on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, during Oba Olugbenle’s speech at the 80th birthday anniversary of Pa Billy Alabi Ogundipe, the “Agbaakin of Surulere,” Lagos. The event took place at Whitelys Event Centre, Noimot Street, Surulere, Lagos.

The monarch, who also serves as Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, used the event to encourage his subjects abroad to remain connected to their homeland.

Oba Olugbenle urged Ilaro-Yewa indigenes in the diaspora not to forget their places of birth, stressing that while some have contributed significantly to community development, more support is needed to sustain the developmental spirit across Yewaland.

The Paramount Ruler commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Dapo Abiodun, Senator Solomon Adeola, and other leaders for various developmental projects in Ilaro and Yewaland.

He prayed for divine guidance for Nigeria’s leaders to enable them to provide citizens with a better standard of living.

Turning to the celebrant, Oba Olugbenle advised Pa Billy Ogundipe not to distance himself from his birthplace, but to contribute his quota to the growth and development of Ilaro-Yewa.

Oba Olugbenle expressed gratitude to guests in attendance, particularly IGP Musiliu Smith, former Inspector General of Police, and members of the Olu Ilaro-in-Council who, despite their busy schedules, honoured the event.

He prayed for God’s grace upon the celebrant, his family, and the well-wishers.

In his tribute, Chief N.A. Adeniji, the Seriki of Onala-Ilaro, congratulated the celebrant, describing him as a beloved younger brother. He prayed for God’s continued protection over him and his family.

Also, Chief Fadairo (SAN), the Alapini of Ilaro-Yewa, congratulated Pa Ogundipe and wished him many happy returns in good health.

Adding their voices, on behalf of members of the Olu Ilaro-in-Council, Chief Bankole, the Elemo of Ilaro-Yewa, and Chief (Mrs.) Bukola Durojaye, the Otun Iyalode of Ilaro-Yewa, also gave thanks to God for Pa Ogundipe’s life and prayed for many more healthy years.

During the cutting of the birthday cake, Chief Thomas Lala, the Bobaseto of Ilaro-Yewa, described Pa Ogundipe as a lovely uncle he deeply respected.

He thanked God for granting the celebrant 80 years of life and prayed for many more fruitful years in good health and happiness.

In his response, Pa Billy Ogundipe thanked God for the privilege of celebrating his 80th birthday in the presence of Oba Olugbenle, members of the Olu Ilaro-in-Council, family, and friends.

He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the monarch and his entourage for honouring him and prayed for God’s wisdom and knowledge upon them in administering the community.

The celebrant extended thanks to his immediate and extended family members, friends, and well-wishers for their unwavering support toward the success of his 80th birthday celebration.

Among the notable members of the Olu Ilaro-in-Council  in Oba Olugbenle’s entourage were Chief Najeem Adeniji, the Seriki Onala of Ilaro-Yewa; Chief Tunji Fadairo SAN, the Alapinni of Ilaro-Yewa; Chief Ayo Dawotola, the Otun Aguro of Ilaro-Yewa; Chief (Mrs.) Bukola Durowoju, the Otun Iyalode of Ilaro-Yewa and Chief Segun Bankole, the Elemo of Ilaro-Yewa.

Others were Chief Taofeek Fagbenro, the Ashipa of Ilaro-Yewa; Chief Thomas Lala, the Bobaseto of Ilaro-Yewa; Chief (Mrs.) Adunni Onifade, the Otun Iya-Ewe of Ilaro-Yewa; Chief Funmilola Oladotun, the Otunba Baajiki of Ilaro-Yewa; and Elhadj (Otunba) Abu-Satar Idowu Hamed, the Otun Baaroyin of Ilaro-Yewa.

The event was also graced by IGP Musiliu Smith, former Inspector General of Police; Alhaji Rafiu Ogundipe, younger brother of the celebrant, and his wife Alhaja (Mrs.) Ogundipe; Alhaji Adeyinka; Mr. ‘Deji Adeyemi; Mr. Debola Matanmi; among others.

Guests were entertained by the Naval Band, which thrilled the audience with a medley of juju and gospel music to the delight of all.