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…Oba Salako Reflected On Abundant Goodness In His Life, Extended His Thanks To Those Who Have Consistently Supported Him Throughout His Journey
BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
IBOORO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The ancient town of Ibooro, located in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, came alive with celebration on Saturday, October 12, 2024 as Oba (Dr.) Daniel Abayomi Salako, Agunloye IV, the Aboro of Ibooroland, marked his 65th birthday.
The occasion was filled with pomp and grandeur, drawing a prestigious crowd to honour the beloved monarch.
Guests were greeted by the stunning sight of the venue, adorned with an array of aesthetic colours and life-size photographs of the celebrant, Oba Salako.
The ambiance of the specially decorated Marquee promised a memorable experience for all attendees, with the event venue radiating elegance from the moment they arrived.
The celebration began with a solemn and powerful interfaith prayer session, with Christian and Muslim clerics leading prayers for Oba Salako’s health, prosperity, and continued leadership.
The clerics, who hailed from both within and outside Ibooro, delivered messages of wisdom and gratitude. Drawing from the Holy Bible and Holy Qur’an, they offered spiritual guidance and blessings for the monarch’s future.
In their addresses, the clerics lauded Oba Salako as a devout, God-fearing ruler who prioritizes the well-being of his community.
They emphasized his tireless dedication to the growth and development of Ibooroland, describing him as a monarch with a heart for his people.
Their words reflected the deep respect and admiration that the community holds for him.
In a heartfelt message, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, MFR, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, who was the Royal Father of the Day at the occasion, praised Oba Salako’s wisdom and intelligence, calling him one of the most respected monarchs, not only in Yewaland, but across Ogun State.
As Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, Oba Olugbenle prayed for many more years of health and happiness for his fellow royal father.
During his appreciation speech at the event, Oba Salako expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for preserving his life from the very beginning to the present, and for the numerous blessings he had received through his wives, children, and grandchildren.
Oba Salako reflected on the abundant goodness in his life, emphasizing that he could never thank God enough for the ongoing health and protection he enjoys, both for himself and his royal family.
The monarch extended his thanks to those who have consistently supported him throughout his journey.
He gave special recognition to the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and past governors of the state for their unwavering support towards his well-being and the development of Ibooroland.
Also, Oba Salako acknowledged the backing of traditional rulers both within and beyond Ogun State, with a special mention of the Olu of Ilaro & Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, who served as the Royal Father of the Day, for their continued support.
Oba Salako also expressed his sincere appreciation to the Aboro-in-Council, Chiefs, and the entire people of Ibooroland for their ongoing loyalty and love, both for him personally and for the town of Ibooro.
“I am deeply grateful for the kind support you have all shown, which contributed greatly to making my 65th Birthday Celebration a resounding success”, he posited.
“Please accept my deepest appreciation. Ohun ayo koni han n’ile gbogbo wa loruko Jesu”, Oba Salako concluded in prayer.
Numerous dignitaries followed suit, offering their own tributes to Oba Salako. Notable figures such as former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Alhaja (Chief) Mrs. Salmot Badru, and Prof. Rahmon Bello, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, showered the monarch with praise for his outstanding leadership.
Barr. Biyi Otegbeye, Chairman/Chief Executive of Assurance Ltd., Alhaji (Hon.) Suraju Adekunbi, former Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, and Hon. Olubori, former Ogun State Commissioner, were among the many distinguished guests who offered their goodwill and prayers.
The gathering included a who’s who of the elite from across Ogun State and beyond. Royal fathers from within and outside Yewaland attended in solidarity with Oba Salako, alongside respected figures such as Alhaja (Chief) Mrs. Adijat-Kuburat Adebisi Edionsere (Cash Madam), the Iya Adinni of Yorubaland and Chief Akinsanya, Chairman/Chief Executive of Jogland Hotel, Joga-Orile, Yewa North local goverGove.
Other notable attendees included Alhaja Okewole, Chief Banji Ogunbiyi, Chief Hassan Akinbode, Mr. Babas Babarinde, Mr. & Mrs. Wole Adeniyi and Mr. Akin Akindele, Publisher of Paramount Magazine and online platform, as well as Elhadj (Otunba) Abu-Satar Idowu Hamed, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of StarTrend Int’l magazine and online platform.
Dangote Cement, Ibese Plant, was well represented at the event, and on behalf of the company were Mr. Emmanuel Abe, Chief Financial Officer (CFO); Mr. Gbenga Aina, General Manager, Human Asset Management/Admin (GM, HAM/Admin); Mr. Mohammed Mohammed, Head of Procurement; and Mr. Ademola Ojolowo, Head of Social Performance, along with other notable representatives.
Their presence highlighted the company’s support for the royal occasion and commitment to fostering strong ties within the community.
The celebration was rich in cultural expression, with vibrant performances by cultural troupes from across Yewaland. Guests were treated to traditional rhythms and songs that filled the air, lifting the spirits of the celebrant and his well-wishers.
The event’s blend of tradition and festivity honoured both Oba Salako’s reign and the heritage of Ibooro.
As the day progressed, a renowned Juju musician – Boye Best captivated the audience with an exceptional medley of Juju music, leaving guests enchanted by the superlative performance.
Those with an appreciation for good music were thrilled by the artiste’s mastery and the joyous atmosphere that the music created.
Attendees were treated to a lavish feast of sumptuous meals and a wide selection of drinks, ensuring that everyone enjoyed the celebration to the fullest.
The event was anchored by “Dada the Good”, a well-known radio broadcaster, alongside a lady co-host. Their lively and engaging style kept the festivities running smoothly, making it an event to be remembered for years to come by all those in attendance, as well as the entire town of Ibooro.
Oba (Dr.) Daniel Olayinka Abayomi Salako, fondly known as DOAS, was born on September 19, 1959, into the family of Prince and Madam Daniel Salako of the Agunloye Ruling House.
He began his educational journey in 1966 at St. John’s School Aroloya, Lagos, for his primary education. After completing primary school, he attended Eyinni High School, Ibadan, in 1974 before transferring to Badagry, where he completed his secondary education in 1980.
Pursuing higher education, Oba Salako was admitted to Rochuille University, USA, where he studied Business Administration, graduating in 1989 with an impressive CGPA.
After fortifying himself academically, he began his career as a House Manager at Direct Care Worker – Medical Technical Services in Middletown, Rhode Island, USA, from 1991 to 1995.
However, with his entrepreneurial spirit, Oba Salako believed that self-employment and creating opportunities for others was the best path. This led him to establish a health-service company – Dandy Incorporation, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
Between 2003 and 2005, Kabiyesi served as the Residential Coordinator at Rotemburg Center in Canton, Massachusetts, USA. He then moved on to become the Operations Manager at Now Delivery Services from 2005 to 2009.
A significant milestone occurred in 2010 when Oba Salako founded Imperial Courier Services Incorporation in Central Falls, Rhode Island, where he continues to serve as the Managing Director and CEO.
Despite his professional responsibilities, Kabiyesi’s dedication to self-improvement and education remained strong. He continued to acquire qualifications and engage in humanitarian efforts, holding various leadership positions.
He was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Yewa Descendant Union (USA and Canada, Rhode Island Chapter), a member of the Rhode Island Association of Colored People, the Big Brother Association of Pawtucket, and the Salvation Army of Rhode Island.
On January 9, 2017, Oba Salako was announced as the Oba-elect for the ancient town of Ibooro by the Ogun State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun. His official appointment and staff of office were presented on April 12, 2017, and he was crowned the Abooro of Ibooroland during an unprecedented coronation ceremony on May 27, 2017.
In 2019, Oba Salako was honoured as the Grand Patron of the African Church, Yewa Diocese, St. Luke’s African Church (Bethel), Ilaro-Yewa. In recognition of his immense contributions to the church, he was awarded a Doctor of Divinity on April 10, 2022, by the Source of Joy Theological & Bishop Academy, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
In September 2023, he received the Special Outstanding Award and Recognition (SOAR) from the Rotary Club of Rock City.
Kabiyesi is happily married and blessed with lovely children, continuing to serve his community and family with dedication and pride.
