Tribute To Baami Hon. Ademola Oladejo Owonikoko J.P On His 70th Birth Anniversary

 

I, Prince Adegbenro Ademola Oginni, feel greatly honoured to write this tribute in honour of our cherished father whose birth anniversary is today.

It is true that great men are born in January. Maybe it is because of the newness of the period of the year. On this day, three scores and ten years ago, a hero journeyed into this world through the Owonikoko family. The life of my father, Hon. Ademola Oladejo Owonikoko JP, is an attestation that great men are born in January. 

I will always be short of words when trying to really describe the worth of today's birthday celebrant. But, I must stress here that one of the best beneficial things that have ever happened  to me is to have Hon. Ademola Oladejo Owonikoko JP as my father-in-law. In fact, it is an understatement to refer to this enigmatic personality as an in-law. Indeed, he is a father, a friend, a destiny helper, a counsellor, a confidant and a lover of all and sundry owing to his sterling qualities. 

Popularly called BABA ASUPER, BABA IDI EEYAN, my daddy, who  is the arrowhead of Owonikoko dynasty in Oriire Local Government Area, distinguished himself at different spheres of life, including business and politics.

I, therefore, on this day, bear this birthday message from the Oginni extraction of Baba Owonikoko's in-laws and I pray that Baba will live to celebrate 100 years and beyond in good health, peace, wealth, among other goodies of life. 

Baami is such a rare being that the world must celebrate, going by his exemplary life as a model to all in different dimensions. You're a source of inspiration to many. 

Maybe this is due to the saying "show me your friend and I will tell you who you are". Oh yeah, Baami is a friend  to the distinguished Baami 'O yato' Governor, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, the Otun Orirun of the Source. Beyond being friends, Baami Alao-Akala and Hon. Oladejo Owonikoko are jolly in-laws. There has never been any regret marrying your precious beautiful adorable princess, OLAJOKE, aya rere ni odede oko, as wife. Not only that! God has been so gracious to our daddy by giving unto him lovely children. 

As it is often said "behind every successful man is a good wife". Our mummy par excellence, Mrs Oyeronke Oladejo Owonikoko JP,. as a distinguished school administrator and educationist who rose to become a principal, has successfully managed Baba's home to the greater advantage. "Maami, isu omo yoo jina fun yin je".

She has successfully used her wealth of experience to establish a school to improve education at elementary level. In Ogbomoso and its environs, her school, Christ Foundation, is second to none and it has capable hands to help bring out the giants in numerous pupils who are doing well by God's grace. 

Even though there will be a big party in April to have an elaborate celebration, we, today, January 9, offer our heartfelt appreciation to God Almighty, the giver of life and He who has so graciously commanded the life of our father. We also thank our father, Otunba Alao-Akala, for his magnanimity too many to be penned. We appreciate the entire immediate and extended Owonikoko family for their supports in diverse ways.

Bàámi, ire owó

Ire omo

Ire àìkú, baálè orò;

Asodunmodun lawo asodumodun;

Asoromoro lawo asoromoro;

Iran akalamogbo ko nii salailo egberun odun laye;

Baami, ki e fi owo pawu;

Ki e fi erigi jobi;

Ki e ba won fi aiku degbera;

Baami, e gbonran jigi;

Ogun odun lonii, gboin-gboin ni toke;

Ogbon odun lonii, gboin-gboin ni toke.

Prince Adegbenro Ademola Oginni writes this tribute.