PHOTOS: Obasanjo, Oyo, Edo Govs, others grace Esama’s 90th birthday thanksgiving service
Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, ably represented by his Deputy, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, were among dignitaries who flocked to the ancient city of Benin for the 90th birthday thanksgiving service of the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, at Saint Gabriel The ArchAngel Catholic Church, Benin City, Edo State
The event was also attended by the state host, Godwin Obaseki, former Governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola and about three other former governors of Edo State, including the celebrant’s son Lucky Igbinedion and John Odigie Oyegun.
Traditional rulers, politicians, clergies, parishioners, friends and well-wishers of the patriarch also graced the thanksgiving service tagged “Jubilation for the Nonagenarian.”
Also in attendance were Vice-Chancellor, University of Benin, Prof. L.I Salami who led members of the Governing Council of the ivory tower to the event.
In his homily at the well attended church service, one of the Rev Fathers, charged the congregation to take thanksgiving, which is a moral obligation of Christians, seriously to attract God’s blessings.
He described the celebrant as a unifier and a generous man who has ontributed immensely to human capital development in Edo in particular and Nigeria at large.
The Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of the Metropolitan See of Benin city, who presided over the service, performed the Mass rites.
The Esama of Benin, whose birthday celebration equally attracted arrays of personalities from different states across the country and beyond yesterday, also had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Oyo state, Barr. Lawal, at the dinner party which took place at the Igbinedion Education centre.
The celebrant, who was thrilled to see the Deputy Governor, representing his boss, Seyi Makinde, at the birthday party, was quick to treat him homely and customarily with kola nuts at his home after the party.
Describing the Esama of Benin as a trailblazer, the Deputy Governor equally lauded his landmark achievements and contributions in the aviation, education, health, media, manufacturing, and employment drive,” all of which “have impacted greatly towards the upliftment of Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.
He prayed to God to bless and grant him good health and happiness.
